Another Time – Another World
AN: I would like to thank ya'll for the continued support of this story. I really appreciate all the reviews, favs, and follows. Now for all ya'll wondering how long before Hylas and Ciel meet, well, it shouldn't be too much longer now because I plan to write a time skip in either the next chapter or the one after the next chapter, so hopefully not that long.
I've noticed while writing this chapter that I've messed up the years somehow (and by that I mean Hylas's age relative to how old he is supposed to be considering he is only one year apart from Ciel), so if you notice it as well please ignore it, for I find that it's too late to change it, but it will be different in later chapters so please ignore the discrepancies. Sorry.
Chapter Eleven:
"How dare the two of you do this to me!" George said, sniffling slightly from the tears he would deny were swimming in his eyes.
Catching on, his twin joined in with a swiftness that only occurred with such people as in synch as the brothers were.
"You!? Forget you! How could they keep this from me!?" Fred said overdramatically, clutching his hands over his chest in mock distress. His eyes equally as red as George's from withheld tears.
"Forget me?" said George aghast. His expression appalled. "Not possible, my devilishly good looks are impossible to forget."
No one noticed Hylas's eyes narrowing slightly at the word 'devilishly' in his image in the mirror.
Fred snorted. "You forget, brother dear, that it is me who got the best looks. Even with our shared gorgeousness these two forgot to inform us of such important news." Fred jerked his hand towards were Nigel was sitting on the floor next to Hylas's mirror. The man was managing to pull off looking slightly amused at their banter and slightly guilty all the same. Hylas's image in the glass held no such guilt, only amusement shining in his green eyes.
Hylas had convinced Nigel to wait to inform the twins of his survival and current whereabouts until they could be told in person. He didn't want to risk anyone intercepting the owl, he wasn't going to risk himself. He was not going to allow Dumbledore to discover that he was alive and have the man kidnap him from his home dimension. Again.
So, no. Hylas did not feel guilty for not allowing the twins to be informed immediately. His time as a prisoner had made him develop a rather wide streak of paranoia.
He had discovered how wide when he refused to eat any food that Mrs. Reece had tried to feed him for fear of poison, much to her dismay.
True he was unhappy his closest friends had to suffer and worry over not knowing what had happened to him - but he was not guilty.
Nigel, however, gave each of the boys (the ones who were not conversing through a mirror as a medium) a hug. "Sorry! So sorry boys! We really didn't want to keep you two in the dark. Promise! Cutie-Pie was just so worried about the owl getting intercepted."
Fred and George sniffled dramatically before 'graciously' accepting Nigel's apology.
All occupants of the tailor's backroom then turned to Hylas's image in the mirror, who at some point, pulled a chair from somewhere and was sitting on it like it was a throne.
Knowing the questions their silent gazes held, Hylas opened his mouth and began to explain. Everything.
"When I arrived home last summer, the moment I entered my apartment I was welcomed home by several persons dressed in black robes and white face masks. I believe you, Nigel, would agree with me most certainly that their fashion was most atrociously put together." Hylas paused for a moment, he glanced at his wrist, which was free from any accessory – wanted or otherwise. "However, I do not believe that is where my story should begin."
Hylas looked each of them in the eyes, and he introduced himself. "My name, my real name, is Hylas Jibril Potter and I was born on February 14, 1874, in a completely different dimension."
Their expressions were of complete shock, but their attention was raptly upon him as he spun the tale of his life. Their eyes never for a moment straying from him as he spoke.
He spoke of his mother and father. He spoke of his fateful seventh birthday. He spoke of the first time he set his eyes on Albus Dumbledore and the pain that had ensued. The years of being treated worse than a servant (or at least his servants) by the people who had believed him to be their nephew. He spoke of his leaving the Dursleys after receiving his letter from Hogwarts. He relayed his version of meeting Nigel and the twins, and his endless frustration at not being able to say his name. Of his kidnapping and torture at the hands of Voldemort and his death eaters. Of how the man was going to kill him.
He told them of his making a deal with a demon. He showed them the mark of the contract by removing a ribbon he had taken to wearing around his neck.
He did not halt or falter in his telling of his tale even when the twins' expressions had turned a faint green in color nor when Nigel began to weep. If he had, he would have never finished.
"…I had Marcus make this mirror. It serves as a link between our dimensions so we can communicate and … if you all so should desire, this mirror will allow you to come to my dimension. However, I will tell you frankly, it is a one way trip. I plan on destroying this mirror so there will be no easy connection to my dimension and yours."
Easter Holidays ended and the twins returned to Hogwarts with much on their minds. Frankly, the staff was severely unnerved by the uncustomary silence that the twins were submerged in. It was worse that it had been at the beginning of the school year.
Nigel's customers were equal parts concerned at his uncharacteristic thoughtful silences and irritated because said thoughtful silence caused him to stick them with pins more often than not.
By the time the twins arrived for summer break they had decided.
The goblins of Gringotts were terribly displeased when all of the gold of one of their most wealthy vaults were cleared utterly out, without even a single knut left in the crannies.
Meanwhile with Hylas…
"It is just dreadful." Bemoaned Mrs. Reece, sorrowfully to Mr. Yamamoto. "He will not touch a thing I cook for him. It is almost like the Master thinks I will poison him! Me!"
Mr. Yamamoto said, "You must not take it to heart, Mrs. Reece. Master Hylas has obviously been through a terrible ordeal in the years he's been gone. You must allow him to readjust."
"It has been three months!" Mrs. Reece exclaimed. "I've known that boy from the moment of his birth and he doesn't trust the food I give him! But that odd vagabond, Marcus Samil, waltzes in once a month and stays in the Master's room for hours, just the two of 'em, and the Master is perfectly okay with a stranger who came from no-where." Mrs. Reece ranted.
Mrs. Reece lowered her voice to a hushed whisper – peculiar because there were only herself, Mr. Yamamoto, Master Hylas, and Marcus Samil in the entire sprawling manor. "Every time that – that man comes, Master Hylas is laid up in bed for the week after. Master Hylas has never been healthy but it was never like this! Surely you've noticed, Mr. Yamamoto! Surely this is no coincidence! That Samil is doing some sort of witchcraft on the poor Master-!"
"Mrs. Reece," Mr. Yamamoto interrupted. "I know you are concerned about Master Hylas. I am no less worried than yourself. However, it is not our place to question Master Hylas's actions. He chose to invite Mr. Samil to the manor; chooses to continue to invite Mr. Samil. Until such time that Master Hylas informs us that Mr. Samil is no longer welcome, we must be respectful to Master Hylas's guest. No matter our own opinion."
"Mr. Yamamoto-!" Mrs. Reece began to protest.
"No matter our own opinion." Mr. Yamamoto repeated.
Seeing she would not be able to sway Mr. Yamamoto, Mrs. Reece returned her attention to the dinner she was preparing for Mr. Yamamoto, Mr. Reece, and herself. As she had previously mentioned, Master Hylas refused to eat her cooking (and Mr. Samil never ate when he visited, else she would have been tempted to poison his food). The Master would come to the kitchen himself and prepare a separate meal for himself. However, during the week after Mr. Samil's now monthly visits, Master Hylase would be confined to his bed and not being able to reach the kitchen, would not eat. No matter how much she or Mr. Yamamoto cajoled him to.
It frustrated Mrs. Reece terribly. How was she supposed to take care of Master if he refused to allow her to do so!
(She also found it strange that Master Hylas had become fond of wearing ribbons around his neck and color coordinated them with his daily outfits, but that was a subject for another tirade.)
Oh! How she wished Master Hylas had never been kidnapped!
"Stop laughing, Marcus." Hylas ordered.
The demon stopped at the command, however, continued to have a wicked smirk upon his lips.
"It's not that funny."
"No it's hilarious!" Marcus contradicted. "Your maid thinks I'm using witchcraft on you! You! She's got it awfully backwards."
"Just hurry up. I want you to eat and leave."
"Any orders this time, Princess?" Marcus asked as he stalked over to where Hylas was laying in his bed.
"No, I'll contact you if I do."
Marcus snorted. "You have got to be the easiest Master I've ever had. You haven't asked for anything since the mirror. You have a demon at your beck and call you know."
"How well I'm aware." Hylas said as Marcus descended upon him.
June 1, 1886 – Potter Manor
The weather outside was warm and rather muggy. However, the windows of Potter Manor had been opened regardless. No matter how uncomfortable the outside temperature was, the inside would have been insufferable had the windows remained closed.
Hylas was seated by one such opportunely located windows in the music parlor on the first floor. The occasional gentle breeze that found its way inside was soothing as he whittled his time away. Dr. Reece had given Hylas orders to not partake in any strenuous activities and Mr. Yamamoto and Mrs. Reece had diligently made sure he followed his instructions.
Hylas had been spending most of his days since his return, almost four months ago now, recovering from his injuries, catching up on current events, getting his affairs in order, playing the piano or violin, and writing down what he remembered from the mechanical and medical books he had read.
His lawyer, Castle Marley, for the first few weeks of his return, had been an almost constant visitor in the manor.
Apparently, Hylas had been declared dead, and it took no small amount of paperwork to bring himself back to life. Legally at least.
Mr. Marley, upon his first visit, had given him an emotional, tight smile, and then proceeded to get straight to the business he had came to do. It had taken some time, but in May Hylas had received a Funtom teddy bear that was larger that Hylas himself from Queen Victoria, access to his family's bank accounts, and he had reclaimed the title of Earl Potter (thankfully it had not been bestowed upon someone else while he was gone).
Hylas had been informed that his cousin -second or third- Ciel Phantomhive had been captured, after the Phantomhives were murdered, similarly to himself, for a month or two in 1885 on his tenth birthday. Ciel had apparently reappeared in early 1886, shortly before Hylas himself had returned.
While part of Hylas did wish to meet with one of his last remaining relatives, the last time Hylas had seen Ciel was two years before he was kidnapped. Hylas had been five and Ciel four, and he was quite certain that Ciel would not remember him. Besides, as both of them were adjusting after being kidnapped it was probably smarter to stay away, at least for the time being.
As for his cousin Lady Angela Duress (similarly his cousin somehow on his father's side of the family), while she would most definitely remember him, Hylas did not remember her fondly.
Once when he had been quite young Lady Duress had come to visit. It had been shortly after her husband had been killed in a carriage accident. Hylas had caught her looking at his parents with a dark expression. Now, his younger self hadn't thought much of it nor had he been concerned, though he had gotten the distinct impression something was off with her. His older, more paranoid self, however, did not want anyone his instincts warned him of around.
He, at present, was decided not to have the two remaining members of his family know he was alive. The people who need to know were aware and some high socialites were aware that the title of Earl Potter had been taken up again - that was all- he couldn't be bothered with much else.
The date was drawing nearer for Nigel and the twins to give their reply and their answer was all that he had to worry about. Not even Marcus Samil draining his magic once a month, impacting his already poor health, bothered him that much after the first occurrence. For the first time in years he was relaxed and as at peace as he could be.
He played a little ditty on the piano before slowly morphing it into something more solemn. He continued to play as Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Marley walked through the parlor doors. He finished the song before giving his attention to the two men patiently waiting for him to finish.
"Good day, Earl Potter." Mr. Marley greeted. Hylas nodded his acknowledgement, allowing Mr. Marley to continue without anymore of the useless pleasantries that the mad hated. "As your solicitor, Earl Potter, I feel that it would be in your best interest to, as of this fall, if you physician permits, to resume you education."
Hylas frowned, he could probably teach England's top professors with the knowledge he had learned in the more advanced other dimension, not that anyone knew that. "Of course, Mr. Marley. That is only sensible. I suppose, that by bringing this up now, you think it wise to begin looking for suitable tutors."
Mr. Yamamoto looked uncomfortable as Mr. Marley once more spoke. "Tutors, no. Earl Potter, I believe it would be most beneficial if you were to attend Weston College for at least part of your schooling."
Hylas's face lost his frown, however, it did not gain any expression to replace it either.
"I dislike the very thought."
"Unfortunately," Mr. Marley said with a long sigh, "Her Highness likes it very well."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Earl Potter. She requested me to inform you."
"Her Majesty had no reason not to tell me directly. But I suppose if Her Highness specifically requested it...How am I to refuse?" Hylas said rather sarcastically as he picked at the piano's keys.
"How indeed?" Mr. Marley muttered, just loud enough for Hylas to catch. "The Queen did not contact you directly because I had informed her that you had burned the last correspondence you had received inviting you to a ball. She thought it best not to leave it to chance."
Hylas hummed to himself. He had indeed lit the invitations on fire. The last letter he had received beckoned him to Hogwarts and into the world of Albus Dumbledore - letters were not to be trusted.
"Have Weston College reserve three places at the school." Hylas said. He had no idea if the twins would actually come to his dimension - he hoped they would - but if they did he would most definitely be dragging them to endure Weston College with him. As a friend he couldn't allow their education to suffer due to trans-dimensional moves, now could he?
"Three places, Master Hylas?" Mr. Yamamoto questioned.
"Three, yes, if you please. And while I am thinking of it, Mr. Yamamoto, please tell Mrs. Reece to ready three rooms for guests. If they come they shall arrived at the end of the month." Hylas informed his butler.
"As you wish, Master Hylas."
Mr. Marley huffed. "I'll get on it, Earl Potter. I'll send notice when the preparations are complete." Mr. Marley sent Hylas a glare. "Please restrain yourself from destroying my letters."
Sensing the end of the conversation Hylas said, "No promises, Mr. Marley." Letters were never to be trusted after all. He then fully turned his attention to the piano and resumed playing as the two men removed themselves from the room.
When Hylas meet Nigel and the twins on the day of the deadline, he was concerned that they had chosen to remain in their home dimension. For, upon their persons they had not a single parcel of luggage. Nigel, Hylas was well aware, packed heavily anytime he went anywhere - their trip to Paris had proven that fact immensely.
Something of his concern must have made itself visible on his face, for it was only moments later that the twins flashed him wicked grins and proceeded to show him their necklaces - and in Nigel's case a bracelet.
"We had the shop owner shrink down all of our luggage!" Nigel trilled in explanation as he showed off his new piece of jewelry as most women would a wedding ring. "Amazing isn't it Cutie-pie?"
Hylas nodded his agreement.
"Yeah, we even have-" started George.
"-all of the contents from the Potter vault-"
"-all on Nigel's fabulous wrist-"
"- the goblins were not terribly happy for some reason-"
"-we're not quite sure why." finished George.
Hylas grinned, "Oh, that's terribly peculiar."
Nigel laughed at the boys' behavior. "We even packed up everything in your apartment, so don't worry about that my Cutie-pie. We're all~ set~." Nigel made no mention that he had broken up with Ivan, there was no reason to mention it.
With not much more chit-chat, Hylas gestured to Marcus, who was quietly - for once- standing behind the mirror. Marcus traced a ruin sequence on the backside of the mirror and the glass began to glow a eerie purple. The blond demon waited for the last red-haired child to come through the portal before he destroyed the enchantments on the mirror and disappeared as his master had commanded him to do.
Marcus would be back for his meal next month.
Hylas and his newly arrived friends spent a few hours talking and catching up on the past few months. The twins were curious and excited when he informed them that he had signed them up to attend Weston College with him.
Nigel, on the other hand, was anxious at the news that the only three people he knew in the world were going to be going away in only a few months' time. Nigel, of course, had no desire for them to not finish their education, he was, however, worried what he would do to keep himself occupied while they were away.
Hylas soothed his worries by informing Nigel that he had already purchased a shop in town for him to once more open his tailoring business. Needless to say, Nigel had been thrilled at the news, and snatched his Cutie-pie up in a hug.
Eventually, Hylas showed them to their rooms (they were impressed that the only place in the world(s) that Hylas didn't get lost in was Potter Manor) that Mrs. Reece had prepared. Giving them time to unpack, he went downstairs to inform the elderly maid that she would need to prepare dinner for three more people. Hylas, of course, began cooking his own food for the evening meal.
Mrs. Reece did as her Master bade her with much curiosity. Mr. Samil never ate dinner and, to her knowledge, no one else had arrived at the manor.
Mrs. Reece, Dr. Reece, and Mr. Yamamoto were all quite startled as a man of around twenty-six and a set of red-haired twin boys came down the stairs.
No one had witnessed their arrival but no one asked Master Hylas about it. The Master hadn't smiled or laughed near so much in the four months since his return, and that these people were the cause of such merriment was all they needed to know about the strange guests' presence.
Please tell me what you think.