Ciel sighs tiredly and mumbles something about Sebastian showing me to my quarters. Without another glance, he makes his way back into the manor just as the last of the light dips into the inky darkness of dusk. The butler gives me a polite nod and gestures for me to follow. I fall into step with him and we make our way silently across the grounds and through the grand manor.
"You're not human," Sebastian states matter-of-factly as he peers at me from the corner of his red-brown eyes.
I smile. "No." I agree.
Sebastian leads me up a staircase and down a long hallway, the flames of the candelabra in his hand sending flickering shadows skittering across the walls and floor. Silence descends once more for a few more steps before he speaks again.
"What are you? You have a strange... aura about you."
I hum softly as I shove my hands into the pockets of my silver cloak. "I'm not really sure what I am anymore," I admit softly, keeping my gaze fixed ahead. "I'm a lot of things, but I'm not sure if any of them are me." The Demon does not comment on my riddle-like answer. Instead, he opens a door at the end of the hall and ushers me into a moderately big bedroom. There is a simple but comfortable looking bed against the far wall with a nightstand accompanying it. A window on the westward wall grants me a view of the forest sprawling across the grounds with a wardrobe and chest of drawers on the opposite side of the room.
Not too shabby. I think in satisfaction as I step further into the room and run my hand against the soft blue blankets upon the bed.
"This shall be your quarters while in the manor. I shall introduce you to the other servants tomorrow morning at breakfast after I tend to the Young Master." Sebastian says, keeping close to the doorway, almost as if he's afraid of crossing too near my territory. Interesting. I need to ask Death more about Demon nature and custom. I make a mental note as I give a nod of acknowledgment to Sebastian's unspoken order.
"I'll be up around seven am, will that suffice?"
"Yes. I shall lay out your duties in detail and give you a more in-depth tour of the house and grounds tomorrow. I don't trust those idiots not to get lost or break something." Sebastian scowls briefly and I cover my smirk with a yawn.
"Well then, I believe I shall bid you goodnight now. You did quite a number on me and I'll need my rest to repair the damage done." I give a little mocking bow and Sebastian rolls his eyes but smiles nevertheless.
"Flattery shall get you everywhere but here, Mr. Odon."
I chuckle at that as I begin to shrug off my cloak and unbutton my shirt in preparation for sleep.
"Hadrian." I pause at the Demon's stern use of my name and raise my eyes to meet his. He's paused through closing the bedroom door halfway, hand resting on the handle and half his face framed in shadow and candlelight. His eyes, however, are a glowing vermilion and narrowed in a glare. "If you do anything that will put my Master in danger or do not aid him I will make your life a living Hell before I end it."
The threat is heavy with promise and I know Sebastian will keep his word on this.
My smile is all sharp edges and bitter irony. "I won't harm the lordling. Your meal is safe from me, Demon." I reply calmly, hiding the way my pulse spikes slightly as Sebastian's power weighs down the air, asserting his dominance on this. Sebastian stares me down for a few moments, judging my sincerity most likely. I hold his piercing gaze and force my body to quiet.
It is not my place to interfere in their Contract. I'm only here to find my humanity again...
Finally, Sebastian steps back and his features soften once more into his usual calm mask, apparently satisfied by my response. "Pleasant dreams, Mr. Odon. We shall talk more in the morning." With barely a sound he eases out of the room and closes the door with a quiet click.
I let out a deep sigh as I finish undressing and retrieve my sleep clothes from a bottomless, space-extended pouch that hangs from a cord around my throat. I nestle under the blankets with a groan as I take a few moments for my mind to settle from the long day.
I hope coming here was a good idea. Is my parting thought as sleep claims me.
Alone...
I turn my head this way and that, trying to find any sign of life.
Anyone.
Anything!
Nothing... Emptiness... Alonealonealonealone!
Fear seizes my heart and I run, yet I gain not an inch of progress.
"Please," I whisper brokenly into the gaping expanse of black nothingness. "I'm afraid." I pause, waiting for a response.
Silence. There are no people here. No Reapers or Demons or Angels.
No Wizards or Witches or magical creatures.
No Life.
No Death.
Just me. Alone. FOREVER...
I scream.
Only echoes reply.
When I'm introduced to the rest of the staff the next morning they all talk over each other in their excitement to meet me. Unfortunately, I can barely muster up the energy to even say my own name, much less answer their barrage of questions.
I sigh into my steaming cup of tea and spoon in a little more sugar. Last night's nightmare hit me out of the blue. I had thought I would be over that by now. This is why we need to hire Reaper Therapists! No wonder Grell went nuts and Undertaker can't function without a laugh! All these centuries of living and nobody ever considered bloody mental health! I take a sip from my teacup and morosely pick at my breakfast even though my stomach wails at my idiocy.
I know if I eat after one of my nightmares everything will just taste like ash, no matter how exquisite it may look or smell.
"Are you OK, Mr. Hadrian?" It's Finny who asks the question. He is the young blond boy that I stopped from uprooting a tree with his superhuman strength yesterday. His bright blues eyes gleam with concern from across the little table in the servants' lounge.
"Yessir! You're looking a bit peaky there!" Mey-Rin chimes in as she takes the seat beside me.
I sigh once more and push my bangs out of my eyes. "I apologize. I did not sleep very well last night, otherwise, I would not be in such a pathetic state." I murmur while suppressing a yawn. I blink a few times and focus back on Finny's concerned face. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about it." I force my lips into a small grin to punctuate the statement.
"That's what I like to see! Don't let the enemy win!" The chef, Bard, exclaims brightly as he joins our little group at the table. I grimace into my teacup. Seems like all the servants are morning people around here. "So Hadrian, why'd you decide to join the Phantomhive household?" Bard inquires as he piles his plate high with eggs and bacon.
"I'm not entirely sure... I wanted to see if I could recover something that I've lost within myself by interacting with people again." I reply with a slight shrug. They seem confused by my odd answer but have the good sense not to probe. Well... interacting with living people at least. Maybe I should have picked a more normal mortal... But then again, they don't interest me. I muse silently as the others finish up their breakfast while chatting softly among themselves while I space out. I've never been one to follow the norm so why should I try to reconnect with my humanity that way?
I'm broken from my thoughts as Sebastian pokes his head through the doorway. "Mr. Odon, my Master would like a word with you in the dining room."
I raise an eyebrow and drain the rest of my tea before standing and following the butler out the door. I follow Sebastian down several halls and through a set of polished oak doors and into the opulent dining room. Ciel sits at the head of the table, delicately nibbling on a piece of grilled salmon. "You wanted to see me, kiddo?" I smirk as Ciel's tea sloshes out of his teacup as he goes to take a drink. He whips around to glare at me and a tiny chuckle slips past my lips.
"Don't call me that!" The young Earl snaps.
"Very well, little lord."
Ciel sighs and mumbles something about it being too early to deal with me. Sebastian hides his grin behind a gloved hand as he goes to stand slightly behind his Master's chair. "Take a seat." He waves me into a chair and I do as ordered. I tilt my head in a curious manner as silence consumes us for a while save for the clinking of Ciel's silverware against his plate. At last he deigns to speak again. "How did you defeat Sebastian yesterday? He tells me you are not human, and I am inclined to believe him."
I blink. Very blunt, especially coming from such a Slytherin child. The thought pops up as I study the Earl's face and consider what I should reveal, or if I should say anything at all. Not much point keeping things secret... but then again the Demon may use what I reveal to cause trouble for the other Reapers. Best to keep my cards close to the chest... for now at least.
I sigh softly and lean back in my chair and fold my hands together on the polished tabletop. "I honestly don't fully know what I am..." I begin and shoot Ciel a frosty glare as he makes to interrupt me. His mouth closes with a click when he meets my gaze, understanding the warning. I'm irritated from how fitful my rest was and I already know I will snap if probed too much. I clear my throat and with a pointed look in the child's direction I pick up the explanation.
"I used magic to help me defeat your butler," I ignore the child's scoff at the mention of magic. "As for what I am..." I tap a finger against the wood of the table as I try to think of how to explain. "I was human... in a former life. Now I am something... unique."
"That tells me nothing!" Ciel scowls, cobalt eye boring into me.
"I am three yet one and even then I'm not really sure if I am anything at all." I say solemnly, though smirk internally as Ciel sputters in annoyance at my cryptic reply. If I must suffer bloody nightmares then you'll just have to put up with my riddles!
"I order you to give me a straight answer!"
My magic flares to the surface, lapping against the occupants of the room with freezing intensity, their breath immediately fogging the air. "Don't," I hiss at Sebastian as he makes a move as if to restrain me as I rise from my seat. I pin him in place with a glare and then turn it upon the frozen Earl who is staring at me with wide, panicked eyes. "You have not earned the right to demand anything of me, child! How would you like it if I forced you to tell me all about your sorry sordid past? Just knowing you have a Contract with a Demon tells me more than enough!" I snarl, my voice edged with cutting hoarfrost as I fight to reign in my temper.
I stare both Demon and boy down for a few long moments before sucking in a deep breath and closing my eyes as I release on the exhale. Gradually the room's normal temperature begins to climb back up and my magic settles back down beneath my skin. Slowly, I sink down into my chair, exhaustion flooding my system as my nerves settle. "Apologies," I murmur. I open my eyes after a couple minutes of breathing exercises and focus back on the child and his Demon servant.
The young Earl clears his throat uncomfortably as our gazes lock. He is the first to look away. "Sebastian will show you around the manor and explain your duties." Ciel says as he rises and walks out of the dining room leaving me and the Demon alone.
Sebastian frowns at me, his eyes flickering a bloody fuchsia. I heave a deep sigh and place my head upon my folded arms atop the table. "Stop judging me, Sebastian." My voice comes out muffled but no less impatient.
"I wasn't-"
"Please, I can feel it from a mile away!"
Silence reigns for a time and I nearly doze off as the minutes tick by. "Mr. Odon...?" I blink my eyes open and raise my head, realizing with a start that the butler has been trying to get my attention.
"Hmn?"
"I asked if you would like to explore the manor and grounds now." Sebastian repeats, his face and voice impassively polite, yet his eyes cannot hide his suspicion nor curiosity.
"Sure... And I am sorry for snapping at you. I had a rough night." I reply, strangling my embarrassed flush with a vengeance.
The Demon simply nods and leads me out of the dining room.
Ciel ~
It takes me the better part of the morning to get my heart rate back under control. I scowl down at the paperwork in my hands and determinedly force the encounter with Hadrian out of my mind.
By the time noon rolls around I have at last completed the necessary papers and rise from my desk to walk around my office and stretch my legs. I wander over to the window overlooking the front lawn and lean my forehead against the cool glass. Was it a mistake hiring Hadrian?
"It is a bit late to be asking that, Master," Sebastian says as he pushes a trolley loaded with food and tea into the room, causing me to jump.
"Did I say that out loud?"
He nods.
I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose to stave off the sudden migraine. "Is he still... upset?"
Sebastian raises an eyebrow as he hands me a cup of Earl Gray tea. His lip twitches upward slightly as he asks, "Are you frightened of Mr. Odon, sir?"
"No!" I snarl and curl my hands into tight fists at my sides, digging my nails into my palm to stop myself from doing something foolish in my rage. I've already been made a fool of enough for one day.I silently sip at my tea as Sebastian goes about preparing my salad and smoked chicken just the way I like it. Finally I heave a small sigh and set my cup aside. "Dig up any information you can about Mr. Odon. I don't like him keeping secrets from me, especially if he has this so called magic ability."
The butler frowns at me as he sets my food before me and refills my teacup. "Instead of ordering me to sniff about, which I doubt will divulge anything given what he has shown and admitted, why not ask him yourself?"
"I already did that and look at what happened!" I shoot back incredulously.
The Demon raises a perfect eyebrow, gaze chastising, and I inwardly cringe under it. "No. You ordered him, Master. Even I can see that was an unwise decision. You do not have his trust, so why should he share anything?" Sebastian lectures with his arms crossed over his chest and tone bordering on condescending. "Even though Mr. Odon is now part of the household you and I both know you have no real power over him. He is not bound by any supernatural contracts, nor are we sure of what his intentions are."
I scowl and stab at my meal with a bit too much force. He's right and I hate it! To my further irritation Sebastian continues his lecture.
"If you are to find out anything about this new player you must get to know him. The only reason he has thus far indulged our curiosity is because he is testing us, for what reason, I cannot fathom. So far Hadrian has the upper hand in this little game."
I groan softly and let my head thunk against the desktop. "Fine! I'll work on cozying up to the bloody ignoramus!"
Sebastian chuckles and smirks as he gathers the dirty dishes back onto the trolley. "Very good, sir. What kind of butler would I be if I did not impart such sound advice to my young Master?" The Demon effortlessly dodges the paperweight I chuck at his head and departs.
I slump back in my chair and wearily scrub a hand down my face. Why did I ever agree to this?
Harry
The days bleed together into a comfortable routine as the summer stretches out lazily. I don't have much to do in way of healing except patching up the other servants. I swear their constant misadventures give me a run for my money!
Ciel has barely said two words to me since our confrontation that first day in the dining room. Guilt nips at me for my harsh reaction every time I see the Earl and I squash it ruthlessly each time. The boy has no right to anything other than my service as a healer. Not yet. Not until I know I can trust myself...and him with my past.
To be human one must know their nature.
And mine is far...very far from any sort of humanly induced emotion or quality.
On the other hand, Sebastian and I seem to be coexisting rather well. We don't speak much, but there is a level of mutual respect and self assured destruction between us. We both know we can seriously screw the other up, and that notion is the irony of my comfort around the Demon.
I hum under my breath as I flip through the pages of a book on medicinal plants and herbs, the summer sunshine dappling patterns across my skin as it peaks between the branches of the tree I'm currently leaning against.
It's a Sunday, my official day off, so I figure soaking up some sun would do me some good. It reminds me of a time when I was young and had yet to realize the true weight of my "responsibilities".
Besides, there are no magical species of fauna or flora in this Realm, so studying up on common medical solutions is a must. I can't rely on my magic all the time. That would be unwise and lazy in my opinion.
Constant Vigilance comes to mind, and I get the faint impression of an old, scarred to Hell and back warrior. Was his name Maddy or Moody...?
Master?
I blink as Death's velvety baritone echoes in my head, snapping me out of my guessing game. It's been a while since he checked in. I frown slightly as I reposition myself against the tree trunk. Hopefully nothing is wrong.
Hello Death! How are things in HQ?
Business is booming, as they say. It is a bit lonely without you here, I'll admit... Death trails off for a moment and a tiny smile twitches across my lips. I wanted to inform you that you'll be in an area where a few departed souls will need collecting. Would you mind picking them up when you're there?
Sure. I live to serve and all that yadda yadda! Where and when will I need to be for this particular errand?
Death chuckles, his amusement rippling along my magic like faint jolts of electricity. I turn the page of my book absentmindedly and use a leaf to bookmark my place as my Servant gives me the names and dates of my upcoming errand.
Be careful in Houndsworth, Master. There are other forces at work there.
I'm always careful! I can practically feel the raised eyebrow through our link and I send back a mock pouting expression. Technicalities! Though I must ask, will there be another surprise like the last errand I did for you?
Silence is my answer and confirmation of my suspicions.
You sneaky bastard!
Author Note:
I still live!
Hello everyone! I'm sorry it has been so long since the last update! Finals arrived at my college and I kid you not, I literally has 6 bloody essays to write and a presentation due all before the actual tests took place!
I'm finally on Christmas break thank God!
Anyway, I will try and be more quick about getting chapter out. Thank you all for being so patient and for all the awesome reviews!
If you have any questions or suggestions for this please feel free to comment or PM me. I'll do my best to answer.
I already have Harry's Angelic form and name in mind. But should I give him an animagus form and what should it be? What do y'all think would best fit this Harry's personality?
Hopefully I'll get the next part out soon. The actual Houndsworth Arc will start next chapter! (Trying to do better at pacing and whatnot)
Every Review gives me more motivation to do better!
; )
