Hello lovlies! Sorry for the long ansence. Suffice it to say that real life decided to hit me with a shit storm, and I've only just now been able to write again. I am updating all of my stories, except In the Minds of Men which is on Hiatus, so here's the new chap for Lost. It's 14-16pgs longs, a treat for being patient. Also I wish to warn you all that:

1) I made Ciel 14, I thought of 15, but decided 14, since it's close to cannon and I figured if Ciel and Sebastian hook up it'll be sorta creepy no matter what.

2) Other than Harry going back into time and becoming Ciel there is not time travel in this, the letter Ciel's father was getting were from queen Victoria. Some people might be confused, the bold statements are the general time and place of the scenes in the chapters.

3) I'm going to put lines to frame it, so be warned, but there is some really dark stuff in this chapter. I warn you now in case you have a weak stomach or PTSD or just aren't into that. So look for the lines so you can skip over the nasty, nightmare heeby-jeeby stuff.

Ta

P.S- This chapter has been updated as I got a very long PM numbering the several mistakes I'd overlooked whilst proof reading. I that The messanger, and am sorry it has taken so long to fix it all. So here is the improved version.

Chapter IV—His butler, Host

Modern Era, Phantomhive mansion

"Young master, it is time to wake," Sebastian said as he drew open the curtains of the master bedroom. His young master sat up rubbing his eyes while Sebastian set about preparing tea. It had taken the better part of a century but Sebastian had managed to find food and tea that demons could enjoy eating. The young master had insisted they keep up the charade of humanity; it made their human ruler and employees more comforted. Sebastian had to admit, as he waited for the tea to steep, his master made the truth of their nature appear tragic to humans. Instead of being hunted for what he was, Ciel Phantomhive was painted a victim of circumstances; he had his humanity ripped from him at the tender age of fourteen by an evil demoness and Sebastian was his faithful protector and companion, a demon who had protected him from other demons and who helped him control his urges now that he must live as a demon.

"Today we have asphodel tea with blood vine leaves, and for breakfast a poached doxy egg with pomegranate," Sebastian said as he handed his young master the tea cup. Sebastian had not hired another chef since Bard but used his supernatural talent to make the strange, and poisonous food, appear appetizing to mortals. To a demon, they were a supplement for souls as they were made of plants and creatures that were of death. They also tasted delicious to demons, not like human sustenance which tasted of ash.

"For today, there is the ball you had prepared for the Order of the Phoenix; Albus Dumbledore has written that while he hoped an exception could be made for him in regards to your requirements, which was understandable as he has so many responsibilities, he has arranged suitable substitutes for the others. The children all agreed to come as well," Sebastian continued as he laid out the young master's clothes. He had accepted his role as Ciel's eternal butler, and now actually enjoyed the position more than he would ever admit. Out of all his contracts he had enjoyed Ciel the most, and while he was forever angry that he would never get to taste the young master's soul, he was proud of his master's aptitude as a fiend.

"Even Charles Potter is attending?" Ciel asked as he set the tea aside so Sebastian could dress him.

"Yes, young master. Along with his two close friends Hermione Granger, a muggleborn, and Ronald Weasley, a pureblood and blood traitor. Among the other children attending will be Ronald's elder brothers Fred and George Weasley, twins with an apparent devilish side, and their younger sister Ginerva," Sebastian said as he buttoned Ciel's white shirt and tucked it into his black shorts. "Among the professors attending are Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin, who is a werewolf."

"Is he similar to Fenrir Greyback, a naturist, or is he a dog of the ministry?" Ciel asked as Sebastian donned his blue socks.

"He is one who takes the wolfsbane potion and is registered to the ministry. He also is the lover of Lord Sirius Black, Charles Potter's godfather and last of his line. The ministry has outlawed inter-creature marriage last summer, so they cannot marry," Sebastian clarified as he finished tying his master's shoes and moved on to the sapphire blue coat.

"Is there anyone else in attendance?"

"The head of the Weasley family, Arthur, and his wife Molly will be here. The Potters are of course attending. Also two aurors, one Kingsly Shacklebolt and Mad Eye Moody," Sebastian said as he tied the blue ribbon around his master's neck before tying on the eye patch. Ciel insisted on continuing to wear it, to keep up the charade he had while still mortal.

"Well, that is quite the party they are sending. I suppose they didn't wish to lose their voice in these matters; as if they even have one," Ciel said with scorn. Sebastian knew of Ciel's original past. When a contract was made, the demon saw the soul they would eat, in its entirety. He knew of the Potters and Dursleys and Albus Dumbledore; he also knew that Ciel knew, although he considered Harry Potter a different person and long dead. Sebastian agreed wholeheartedly with his young master on that regard. His young master, Ciel Phantomhive, was stronger and nobler than Harry Potter could ever have been. He also was so far superior to the Potters that he could never be Harry Potter again. They walked in silence to the dining room for Ciel's breakfast. Even as a demon Ciel had a weak constitution and needed the sustenance of either souls or the suitable substitutes Sebastian had found.

"Good morning young master," said the two maids, Oyuki and Momoko. They were both small and wearing the traditional maid uniform. The black skirts falling just short of their heels, with the crisp white apron stopping at the knees. Momoko had her long brown hair pulled back and twisted into an elegant bun, with wavy bangs framing her pale face. Her dark eyes flashed crimson in the sunlight, exposing her vampirism. Oyuki had white hair and skin, her snowy hair was cut short and curled in loose ringlets around her face and ears. Her eyes were a translucent grey; she was a pureblood Youkai. Ciel had found the girls on his travels to Japan and the demon-verse, the plane of their world where demons and Youkai lived. The girls were quiet mostly, and followed Sebastian's orders to the letter, but they always made sweets for Ciel and would create mischief in the garden by playing with Pluto and Finny.

Finny was the only one, besides Sebastian, who had stayed with Ciel from the beginning. Out of the three employees Sebastian had hired when Ciel was mortal, Finny had been the first, and the dark magic experiments he'd been subjected to had given him eternal youth and a very long life. They did not know how long he would live, only that he hadn't aged once since being in Ciel's employ, and had remained faithful to Ciel even after learning of the young lord's new demonic nature.

Finny had become more skilled in the garden and had learned to control his abilities better; much to Sebastian's relief, although he retained his optimism and childlike innocence. He took care of the owlery Ciel had, adoring Hedwig, Ciel's favorite owl. Finny tended to skip Breakfast, working instead on the lawns, in the garden and the greenhouse Ciel had Sebastian build for the magical plants. Finny's sweet nature seemed to tame the deadly, dangerous plants there; much to Ciel's amusement.

"Oyuki, Momoko, you are to make up the guest rooms in the West wing. The rooms I spoke to you of last evening, if you don't mind. Once that is finished you are to clean the ballroom, entryway, the grand dining room and the billiards room. The fine china is to be set out and cleaned, the silverware must be polished, and the table set. You need not worry about seat placement, or the flower arrangements. I will give you further instructions once those tasks are complete. The guests will begin to arrive at half past five, so we must be swift," Sebastian said to the girls. The maids curtsied and left without a sound to complete the tasks.

"I must speak with Finny about the flower arrangements and what to do with Pluto and the owls," Sebastian said to his young master. "Beyond preparing for the ball you have a meeting with Mr. Holmes at ten for tea, and then another meeting at three with your contact among the death eaters, as they are called. There are also letters from your companies and paperwork to be dealt with. Your lunch shall be served in your office, and the meetings held in the west wing parlor."

"I see, very well Sebastian. I'm sure you have plenty to do yourself in preparing for the ball," Ciel said as he finished his egg and worked on his fruit. "I have been thinking..."

"A dangerous pass time, my lord," Sebastian teased. Ciel speared him an annoyed glance that held no venom. Over the century together they had become less formal to each other when alone, and Ciel gave Sebastian leeway in how he acted.

"I was thinking that perhaps we should hire on another chef; one who could actually cook this time," Ciel continued. "A wizard or witch with mastery in potions or herbology. An aptitude for poisons, preferably. I suggest looking in Knockturn alley, or for dark practitioners, someone who won't judge and can help Finny and the girls."

"It would help, especially during cases such as the rebellion," Sebastian said looking at his pocket watch. Ciel didn't respond.

"When would you like me to look, my lord?"

"Tomorrow preferably, although the day after or even next week is more realistic," Ciel said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Albus and his precious order will have to be reminded who is in charge and I doubt they will be cooperative at first."

"Of course, young master. Is there anything else you need before I go prepare for the ball?" Sebastian said as Ciel stood from his seat.

"No, go prepare, come get me when it is time for my meeting with Holmes," Ciel said. Sebastian gave a slight bow and went out to the gardens to speak with Finny.

I suppose if we are getting a chef, we could take on another butler as well, perhaps another gardener too, Sebastian mused to himself as he walked up to Finny. I'll ask the young master about it at his lunch.

Victorian era, Unknown location

Ciel awoke in a cold, dark place. His head pounded and he could not see very well in the dim light. Ciel couldn't understand where he was and why; he should be at home, in his parents' bed sleeping with them. It was his birthday and so he got to sleep with them tonight, a treat he would not have next year when he turned eleven and became too old.

...I remember waking up alone in the bed though, he thought as he felt an uneasy knot form in his stomach. ...There was a fire, someone set the manor on fire! I was looking for Mother and Father, I couldn't find Mother, but Father—he was in Mother's parlor and...

Ciel felt his eyes burn as tears began to spill down his face, leaving streaks in the soot and dirt that covered his cheeks. He'd found his father dead.

Tanaka came then, he thought. The memories were hazy, although they had to be recent. He took me out to the lawn, and he wouldn't answer me about Mother. She must be dead too, since he didn't answer. Then... And then... Why can't I remember, there was red on the ground, blood I think, and Tanaka yelling, and then I woke up here...

Ciel heard footsteps approach along with a shadow. He tried to get near it and smacked into hard iron bars. His eyes widened as he realized he was in a cage. More lights joined the first and more feet sounded on the stone floor. A large group of black robed men and women wearing white masks came into the room and in the light Ciel noticed there were other children, in other cages.

"There's a new one," said a woman. She was looking at Ciel and he felt fear crawl through his insides like a parasite.

"Ah yes, lovely isn't he?" said a man. "I bought him last night, the heir of Earl Phantomhive."

"A noble boy! He is so lovely," sighed a fat man. Ciel did not recognize any of their voices. Ciel felt like an animal trapped under their stares and lecherous grins.

"We will be using him in our grand ritual, so there will be plenty of time to play with him," said the man who'd bought Ciel. "For now take the little girl, Helena, out. She is ready."

At the order two men went to the cage to Ciel's right and pulled out the girl who was sat within. She wore a torn and dirtied dress, the colour couldn't even be guessed at. Her once blond hair was dark and matted, she smelled of shit and urine. The back of her dress was ripped open, revealing whips marks, burns and cuts. The girl was dragged to the centre of the room and the men pulled her dress and bloomers off. Ciel felt sick and horrified as he saw bites, bruises and burns dot the girl's body. Her eyes were lifeless.

Women scrubbed her clean and cleaned her filthy hair. Ciel couldn't understand, there was no kindness in the actions, they appeared tender, but Ciel felt they were cruel. When she was clean she was laid on an altar and incantations spoken before the unthinkable happened. One of the men removed his robes, Ciel's eyes went wide at the sight of the naked man, and he mounted the girl. She screamed as he entered her and pounded into her small body again and again, Blood dripped from their joining into a bowl that was placed on the floor, trickling over the altar's stone ledge. One of the women tipped a burning candle over the girl and the hot wax dripped onto the child, burning her. A man handed his naked fellow a dagger and the man sped up his rhythm. When the man began to spasm in the girl he plunged the dagger down into her body and twisted it. She stopped screaming and lay quiet, but Ciel instinctively knew she was still alive.

Women bent around the naked man and licked the disgusting mix of the girl's blood and his seed from his softening manhood. Ciel felt bile rise in his throat at the sight and could not keep in down. He vomited onto the floor of his little cage, thankfully missing himself with his sick.

"Grab the other six; mark them and begin their process. In six night's time, we shall perform the grand ritual and summon a great fiend to our service!" shouted the man who had bought Ciel. He appeared to be the leader. The door to Ciel's cage was opened as the masked adults cheered. Ciel kicked and screamed, he struggled against his captors as they dragged him out into the room. Some of the others fought, and some had the same dead stare as the dead little girl had.

Please, Someone, God, save me! Please! Ciel cried in his mind as his night shirt was torn in the back. He felt a searing pain on his ribs and screamed, struggling harder. He cried and begged for them to stop, to let him go, but they only laughed. His personal hell had begun, and God would not answer his pleas.

Modern Era, Phantomhive manor

The ball was beginning as Ciel made his way down the stairs. Sebastian had greeted the guests for him. He had changed his clothes for the ball; he was now wearing a royal blue velvet coat that flared out at the hem over a white shirt with a baby blue bow around the collar, and his royal blue shorts were short, above his knees, with black socks and his buckled shoes gleaming in the chandelier light.

Ciel entered the ballroom and took stock of the people, it would only be his contact's family and the Order members attending supper at eight, but many wizards and witches had shown up for the ball. Sebastian appeared at his side.

"Young master, Albus Dumbledore and his Order would like to meet you," Sebastian said with a bow. Ciel wanted to scoff, but was too refined to do so.

"Then I shall make my acquaintance with them first, but I want you to stop the old man if he tries to draw me into a conversation," Ciel said.

"Of course, my lord. This way," Sebastian said with a small smile. They walked over to a large group of people close to the bay windows that over looked the garden. An old man in a horrible mustard suit with long white hair turned and smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Good evening, I am Ciel Phantomhive, the Earl of the Phantomhive family," Ciel said with a bow. "I see the core of your group has decided to take my offer of hospitality."

"Your butler wrote a very courteous letter," Albus Dumbledore said. Ciel felt irritation at the lack of introductions.

"It is an honour to be your guest, Earl Phantomhive; I am Lord Sirius Black, of the most Ancient and Noble house of Black," Sirius said with a bow after a slight pause. "This is my close friend Professor Remus Lupin; Mr and Mrs Weasley with their sons Fred, George and Ron and their daughter Ginerva, Ms Hermione Granger, Aurors Kingsly Shacklebolt and Mad Eye Moody, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Lord and Lady Potter of Noble house Potter with their heir Charles Potter, and you have already spoken with Headmaster of Hogwarts, Head of the Wizengamot and Order of Merlin first class, Albus Dumbledore."

"Thank you for the introductions lord Black. Please call me Ciel. I must say Headmaster, you have quite the title, I believe I saw Lord Black nearly run out of air announcing it all," Ciel quipped making Sirius laugh along with the twins. Dumbledore gave a genial smile.

"It's why I don't enjoy traditional introductions, they end up so long, my boy," Dumbledore said. Ciel gave a bright smile.

"What a pity, you must upset so many in the Wizengamot over your lack of practice of the old ways," said Sebastian.

"Oh he does, he does," Sirius told the butler. "Please, Ciel, if I am allowed to call you by your given name, you may call me Sirius."

"Thank you, Sirius. It was a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope you enjoy the ball. Dinner will be at eight sharp, Sebastian here will show you all to the dining hall when it is time. I must take my leave of you now," Ciel said with another bow.

"Where are you going, we have the war to discuss," Hermione blurted out. Ciel let his smile falter.

"Firstly, miss Granger, I am the host and since I was indisposed when everyone arrived, I must greet them all now. Secondly, this is hardly the appropriate time or place to discuss such sensitive subjects. Politics and socialising are best left separate, lest you be in the danger of making enemies out of allies. I shall see you all later," he said before leaving.

"He's a kid, he's our age!" Ron shouted as Ciel left. Hermione was beet red with embarrassment.

"He's got more sense than you do. He's obviously good at his job," Moody said.

"How can you possibly know that?" Charlie sneered.

"He's still breathing, brat. Do you think criminals are going to obey and behave for him because he's a child? He's probably been in danger more than you have," Mad eye barked at the spoilt boy. He hated the twit.

"Albus, I can't believe you didn't introduce us," Sirius said. "My family has known the Phantomhives for generations, not one of them is a person you want to snub."

"He's a boy, Sirius, calm down," Lily said. She felt odd about the child, he looked so similar to her Charlie. There was something about him that struck her as familiar.

"That doesn't matter to their family. The earl has to be able to do his duty, or he dies. It is that simple. There was another Ciel Phantomhive in the nineteenth century. He was merely ten when he became Earl, but he stopped Jack the Ripper, smugglers, and several wizarding cults. He ended the lives of at least a hundred people. The Earl may be a child, but he is dangerous," Sirius said. The others looked doubtful.

The ball went on until half past seven, when the other guests began to leave. Ciel stood at the front entrance and bade them good bye. Only the order members were left at eight, along with the Malfoys.

"What in Merlin's name are you lot doing here?" Charlie yelled in anger. Draco and his parents merely looked at the group with mild contempt.

"They are my guests, just as you are," Ciel said to them as he made his way to the now complete group. "The maids have finished serving the food, shall we dine?"

Sebastian led them to the dining hall where they took their assigned seats.

"Why is he sitting at the head of the table?" Ron asked as Ciel took his own seat so they could all eat.

"Typical of a blood traitor. He is the head of his household, so he sits at the head of the table," Draco said as he cut into his chicken.

"Ron is not a blood traitor, you—"

"Miss Granger, I will not have insults at my table," Ciel said after finishing his bite. "The Weasleys are blood traitors, not only did they stop following the traditions of our world, but they also betrayed their own family, earning them the title."

"No we didn't!" Ron yelled. Ciel frowned.

"I must ask that you cease your frequent yelling, it will give my master a headache," Sebastian said from behind Ron, making the redhead jump. "For you information, the case was presented to the Wizengamot in 1786, when one Livonia Malfoy was promised to Jonathan Weasley, with a contract stating as much, but was then wedded to Ronald Weasley against her will. The Wizengamot annulled the marriage and sanctioned Jonathan with declaring his family blood traitors. Magic recognized the legitimacy of the claim and the family has had their distinctive red hair to mark them ever since. It is all in public record."

"Precisely, Jonathan joined the Malfoy family afterwards, as we do not betray our blood," Draco said.

"So the Malfoys have actual reason to not like us?" asked George.

"Why don't we know any of that?" asked Fred. Arthur seemed horrified.

"I never knew, never," murmured Arthur. Molly was enraged and was glaring at Ciel who had continued eating his food.

"How can you sit there and eat while your man is spouting lies about our family!" she screeched. Ciel actually cringed before putting his cutlery down.

"It is not lies, as Sebastian said, it is a matter of public record. You may look it up at the ministry at your leisure. Also, please lower your voice, I detest yelling, it is barbaric and should be resorted to only in dire situations. Besides that, madam, I am hungry," Ciel replied before continuing to eat. Hermione looked at his plate.

"Why are you eating different food than us?" she asked. Narcissa, who was seated across from the girl, looked at her mortified. Ciel felt his brow furrow and forced his face to relax.

"You have no right to ask such a question," Lady Malfoy told the girl. "It is unseemly."

"It is alright, Narcissa, I have a delicate constitution. I have to eat a special diet," Ciel said.

"So, you're a pathetic, spoilt brat. No wonder you're friends with Malfoy," Charlie sneered. Lily gasped and blushed. Ciel sighed and put his silverware down for the second time.

"I am not pathetic; my delicate health comes from my time of imprisonment at the hands of my parents' murderers. Secondly, Lord Malfoy and his family are my guests, as they are my contacts in the dark sect. Also, Potter, I happen to know that Draco is not nearly as spoilt as you, as his parents would reprimand him for such disrespect while yours do not. Now, I have a headache so I shall retire. Sebastian, come with me. Oyuki and Momoko will show you all to your rooms when you have finished eating," Ciel said as he stood. The Malfoys and Sirius and Remus followed him. The twins looked at each other before standing as well.

"We may be shown to our rooms now, Earl, we hope you feel better," said Lucius Malfoy with a bow. His son and wife followed his example.

"We also wish you a return of health and to retire to our rooms," said Sirius before he and Remus bowed.

"We wish to retire to bed too, and we are sorry our family makes your head hurt," the twins said before bowing with flourishes. Ciel blinked at them before a small smile ghosted across his mouth.

"Oyuki, please see them to their rooms. I thank you and wish you all a good evening," Ciel said before departing. He was silent all the way to his room and did not speak until Sebastian was dressing him for bed.

"So many of them are just detestable. I cannot believe their gall," he said.

"They do seem to lack all manner of decency. How was your meeting with Lord Malfoy, my Lord?"

"Productive, he recommended Draco's godfather Severus Snape for chef. He apparently abhors working for Dumbledore, and is just what I was thinking of. Find him tomorrow morning, after breakfast."

"Yes my Lord."