Roses Under Cypresses

Chapter 18

Hannibal found that as fashionable and expensive as his car was, he was very displeased to realize it wasn't made with comfort in mind. However, it would just have to do, since he couldn't go back and forth too often. He did not wish to risk rousing Mischa, she needed her rest and honestly, it was going to be a long drive. He didn't want to have to try and explain things to her that were beyond her comprehension whilst driving. Which magic was, since Mischa had no clue of such a thing existing. He would also not be able to explain things to her either. He was new to the entire magical world, and all it entailed. He didn't think for a second it was easily done in bringing people back via magic. He believed the wizard who had brought Mischa back was singularly unique. Just as unique as Will Graham was.

With painstaking care and consideration, Hannibal got Mischa comfortably situated in the back. Using a pillow to aid in the comfort, while applying the seat belt to secure her. While he had every confidence in his own abilities, he didn't trust the other road users – the swine easily distracted – accidents happened all too frequently. He was breaking the law; she wasn't in a booster seat. If he was a man of prayer, he would have prayed he didn't get stopped. Instead, he made a note to himself to take extra care whilst driving to Wolf Trap.

He placed the medicine slightly under the passenger seat, but in the back. Closing the door as quietly as possible, while ensuring it closed properly. Hannibal held his breathe as he made his way around the car, greatly relieved when he was actually physically capable of going all the way around. Opening the door, he slid smoothly into position. Closing the door, he immediately put the heating on, he wasn't one for using it but Mischa was so thin, she didn't have the ability to retain heat sick as she was.

Having driven to Wolf Trap, Virginia dozens upon dozens of times, he knew the way well. Going to Will's home with and without Will's knowledge. He knew every shortcut, side road and alley in order to get there the quickest. Helped immensely by the fact it was not rush hour and once you get to a certain spot, it was nothing but country roads. Houses spread far apart, a lot of them farms, Will however, only had his dogs and the sprawling acres of land.

Now though, he was no longer alone, and Hannibal found himself torn between rapid fascination and a smidge of jealousy. However, the jealousy was easily dismissed like water off a duck back. For his fascination was far more predominant. This truly was the most perfect way to seek his way into their lives, and to get answers to the mystery that magic currently was.

Other than Mischa's breathing, the subtle vibrations of the engine and air condition there was utter silence in the car. Which after a while, Hannibal tired of, and put the radio on, and classical music begun to play, the kind that made you want to close your eyes to enjoy but one mustn't whilst driving. He turned the volume down, but he was sure nothing short of a bomb going off would wake his sister up. She was used to a lot of noise, his parents loved to hold galas and parties.

Hannibal set those thoughts aside, he was thinking of them more than he had in decades. They'd been good to him, good parents, especially giving him Mischa. He hadn't been angry that he'd basically become a parent to a young sibling, no, he had adored her. She had been the light of his life, and as Harry had said…his anchor. It had never been put on such terms before, but it was nonetheless true.

Harry had said would he be able to stop for her, for Mischa. At this point in his life? Despite it not being a compulsion, he wasn't sure he could stop. There were so many rude people out there that just deserved to be under his blade. So many parties to be had, at his acquaintances (who thought themselves his friends) requests.

Hannibal's attention was stolen immediately upon turning into Will's property. He noticed the car parked, far decent than the one Will had before his incarceration. Which was nowhere to be seen, which made his heart sink a little. Feeling inconvenienced, not to mention a little annoyed that his plan might not amount to anything if Will wasn't there. Assuming the car hadn't been gotten rid of, it had been positively ancient, an unsafe car.

He parked his car in his usual spot, quite close to the property. Watched to see if there was any movement from within, he'd have even welcomed the dogs at this point. Nothing, not even a little glimpse of someone. Perhaps it was rather rude of him to not call ahead, however, it wouldn't have been prudent. His desire to see Will again had gotten the better of him.

Sliding smoothly out of his Bentley, he moved around and picked up the bag that had all the medicine she might need. Then he undid the seatbelt, and carefully lifted Mischa out of the car. Easy to do as she was so thin and practically weightless. He'd certainly carried something far heaver, and for greater periods of time.

Just as he used his side to close the car door, the dogs flooded out of the doorway and into the porch. They surrounded him immediately, desiring to be treated to the sausage they'd gotten from the man in the past. Luckily, Hannibal had come equipped, but he couldn't give to them to him with his hands full. He looked at the doorway, to find out who had let the dogs out, a dog sitter? Agent Harry Potter? Will?

It was Agent Harry Potter, but he wasn't dressed in the suit which made him less sharp, less deadly. Hannibal wouldn't be forgetting his capabilities anytime soon. He'd never came close to losing before, or anyone able to keep up with him either. It had been fun in a thrilling sort of way.

"We were both wrong," Harry called out, still watching Hannibal, but clearly not talking to him, but to someone out of sight.

Likely Will, which cheered Hannibal up immensely, and nothing showed on his features naturally. Although, a content happy noise left his mouth, but it was barely vocalised.

"Pardon?" Hannibal asked, adopting a puzzled expression.

Harry just grinned, "Yeah, that's not going to work," nothing could make him think Hannibal wasn't as intelligent as he was.

Hannibal almost pouted, almost, it was a very close thing. He wasn't sure he liked being read so openly and without much effort. Nobody could read him, easily or otherwise. Not even Alana could, and if they were able to read him, it was only what 'emotions' he wanted them to see.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, stepping out when he noticed that Mischa was sleeping and rather pale in Hannibal's hands not awake and watching the world curiously. Then again, he had no clue to everything that little girl had gone through. Only Hannibal knew that, and he had been young and traumatised himself at the time.

Harry's brow furrowed as he noticed the magic suffusing the siblings, figuring there was a magical reason for his presence here. He knew good and well Hannibal wasn't magical, or rather had no magical core, he was from a long line of wizards and witches until the family became squibs. He didn't light up with magic, not like Mischa.

"What's going on?" Will asked, appearing in the doorway.

Hannibal was stuck breathless at the sight of Will entirely unburdened and breathtakingly handsome. His eyes held a cold callous harshness to him. Hannibal realised that he had hatched from the Chrysalis, the metamorphosis had been complete. Fascination swept through him, wondering at the changes, he had known he wouldn't be able to control what came out, but this he hadn't predicted, there was an untamed darkness there that looked like it had been at home all along.

That, that itself made him pause, he'd assumed Will had been fighting it all this time, but it didn't feel like that now. He felt as if he was missing something that should be glaringly obvious. No matter, the urge to sweep those errant curls aside from where Will was watching him like a hawk, his lashes making it look far more innocent – or seductive – than it had a right to be.

He had no idea how Will was going to react to his presence, he rather hoped he wouldn't attempt to attack him. At least not with Mischa in his arms, he'd allow it as long as he was able to put her to safety.

"Will," Hannibal politely said, inclining his head, as if he hadn't been party to framing him for his own murders.

Will's gaze shifted from Hannibal to the cherubic child ensconced in his arms. He did soften towards the child, like he would a dog, to him children and dogs were angels from heaven and to be cherished and protected. Although, Will would always desire dogs first and foremost. If he had attempted to help children the way he did dogs he'd end up behind bars after all.

"Doctor," Will stated without emotion.

The honorific caused Hannibal to wince, if it were anyone else he'd have been pleased. However, towards the end he'd actually succeeded in gaining Will's trust, and he'd stopped calling him 'Doctor Lecter' and actually used his name. Will had quite easily cut him to the quick with a well-placed word. Will likely knew what he had done, and yes, one look, confirmed what he suspected, a glimmer of satisfaction gleaming in Will's eyes.

"I am in need of assistance," Hannibal said, after a few moments of silence (for anyone else it would be an uncomfortable silence) when neither made a move to invite him in further, to sit or make conversation. Which he found exceedingly rude, but for some intolerable reason, he found it fascinating in both men, whereas everyone else he'd already be planning on what to use of them and what meal to make of them. It was the closest he could get to actually saying he needed help. It wasn't words he'd ever expected to say to anyone since he was a young boy.

Will's brow wrinkled, what the hell could he do for Hannibal? And how dare he come here thinking he'd receive that help? He'd almost destroyed his life, and who knows what could have come of his dogs if he'd been in there any longer.

"What has she done?" Harry asked curiously, a subtle hint of amusement in his tone, as he relaxed his stance, seeing Will was not entirely uncomfortable. Honestly, only Will would end up fancying someone who was a serial murderer and had him arrested for his own murder. Although, Harry did amusedly think of the things Hannibal would need to do to garner Will's forgiveness and Will would give it, he was a bit like Harry in that regard. Although, if he went too far, which getting him imprisoned wasn't, then Hannibal would wish for death before it was granted.

"What makes you think she's done something?" Hannibal didn't answer but posed a question of his own, curious to know how he could possibly know she'd done something.

Will whistled for the dogs to come back in, which they all did, heading for their Yak, bones, antlers or bully sticks which incidentally were on their beds. Will simply rolled his eyes when he noticed them all, Harry was going to spoil them rotten. Which pleased him, especially how well he knew them to know their preferences in such a short time. Nobody else would have noticed, except perhaps Hannibal. Although, he preferred giving his dogs people sausages. Despite looking immersed in his tasks, he was watching and listening to everything happening. He also never turned his back on Hannibal, something he'd learned the hard way, was best never done.

"Get in," he grumbled out, exasperated, before moving to the cupboard and bringing out a clean blanket and spreading it over the sofa. "It doesn't have dog hairs or germs on it." Knowing just how much of a neat freak the psychiatrist actually was. He wasn't doing it for Hannibal's benefit but the girls, Mischa, he recalled Harry saying her name was.

"Thank you," Hannibal said, still maddeningly polite, as he eased her onto the blanket covered couch, which hadn't been there during his previous visits. The colour was vibrant, nothing faded about it, clearly it was brand new. Although, once he got to look around the place he'd realized the entire home had undergone a significant change. Noticing idly that a murphy bed had been bought. Will's bed was currently up against the wall, giving the room a far superiorly clean and tiny. Quite frankly, sleeping on a mattress on the floor did not signal the best of living situations. People went to the worst-case scenario, addictions, which wasn't always the case.

"So?" Harry asked, waiting patiently, green eyes gleaming in merriment, he'd never seen anyone so exasperating polite before. He could only imagine how Hannibal would have felt if he was introduced to the Dursley's or Tonks. The imagination of it was certainly enough to make him laugh, but he succeeded in stopping himself in the nick of time.

Hannibal pursed his lips, thinking of the best way to describe what he was about to say. "I was seeing to Mischa; she woke while I was informing Alana that it's best, we go our separate ways. That a different path was best for both of us." Making no effort to disguise his blatant stare at Will to see how he reacted to the news. "It was a mistake on my part, but the situation is rectified." Hannibal waited for Will to defend Alana, something banal like 'Alana isn't a situation,' sit out in that defensive tone that everyone who spoke to Will knew all too well.

"That doesn't explain why you're here, right now," Harry commented, as he moved to sit on the stool at the kitchen island.

Hannibal startled at that; his focus had been entirely on Will to a foolish degree. Naturally, Harry and Will noticed his misstep. Anyone else would have missed the small startle that came from Hannibal. Even the like of Jack or Alana from the BAU. "My apologies, as I was saying, I decided that Alana and I should go our separate ways. She didn't take the opportunity to leave, she followed me upstairs demanding an explanation."

Will snorted, to the point or derisiveness, he honestly thought Alana would give up anything easily? No, she was passionate about her job, about her life, she'd defend people to the last, even if they didn't deserve it. It stood to reason she would be just as passionate in her personal life too. Giving Hannibal a look that spoke volumes at the sheer incredulity he felt over Hannibal underestimating Alana.

"I intended to shepherd her away, I found myself vastly unsettled by her probing into my personal life. Unfortunately, I found myself unable to leave the room, which unsettled me further I must confess. I had to be far…less polite than necessary to get Alana to leave. I attempted a few more times to leave, but I could not." Hannibal explained.

Harry and Will straightened, their postures identical, and it almost distracted Hannibal from the matter at hand. However, he did memorise it for later perusal, in the new wing of his mind palace. They were like twins, with minor differences, demi-gods, waiting to be worshipped by their subjects, no, demanding that adoration and respect. Desire scalded Hannibal as he thought of the pair, comparing them to the likes of Patroclus and Achilles'. Achilles' attachment to Patroclus is an archetypal male bond that occurs elsewhere in Greek culture: the mythical Damon and Pythias, the legendary Orestes and Pylades, and the historical Harmodius and Aristogeiton are pairs of comrades who gladly face danger and death for and beside each other. Companions, or Philos the actual word used, and it was used between family, friends, and yes, even between lovers.

And Hannibal wanted.

"Can you explain what it feels like?" Harry asked, his entire countenance turning professional.

"Like I'm in a bubble that I cannot see, and if I go five foot from her, the barrier begins to solidify and physically prevents me from moving." Hannibal explained, "If I continue to attempt to breach this barrier, it feels like a rubber band is forcing me back."

Harry inwardly sighed in exasperation, why did this man use dozens of words when a few would do? He remained outwardly calm naturally, and nodded along with the explanation, he didn't need to know more to know what was happening. However, he did need to know how it had happened to prevent it happening again.

Will smirked, his hooded reaction watching them speak. Knowing exactly what Harry was thinking, he knew because he'd thought about it often enough himself. Hannibal was very flowery with his words, and waxed poetically all the time. It wasn't even a front either, he genuinely enjoyed it, it amused him to no end.

"So she needed you, you tended to Mischa, then somewhere between those two instances, you were repelled?" Harry asked, "Did you or she do or say anything that could have caused her to worry? Did she have a nightmare?"

"She begged me not to leave, she was asleep, I believe," Hannibal said, "She did not rouse once at all during the entire conversation." His fingers drifted over her unmarked wrists and neck absently, grateful that the mess wasn't there, that's he wouldn't need to deal with it. He was in far greater control over himself, and thus, did not touch his own horrific scars courtesy of that stint of time.

"Did you see any light?" Harry asked amused, as he knelt down before the girl, Hannibal naturally stiffened, not liking Harry being so close due to his earlier threats. However, he was gentle, calm and soothing with her nothing like the violent termagant he'd been with him.

"There was nothing of the sort occurring before, during or after the incident." Hannibal explained.

Harry nodded, impressed, "Accidental unconscious magic, she's going to be extraordinary powerful."

Hannibal couldn't help but straighten up proudly. As if Mischa's accomplishments were his. Or perhaps it was just proud of her abilities, who could really say? "Can it be fixed? I do have patients I need to see, and cannot do that with a child in the room. It is entirely unfeasible and it would alarm my patients." Not that he really cared about his patients much. It would be very inconvenient that was all.

"Nearly all magic that is cast has a counter," Harry replied, withdrawing his wand, going through the motions although one wasn't needed for this particular spell, "Finite Incantatem!"

"Is that it?" Hannibal asked, seriously underwhelmed, just a small spark of light and nothing?

Harry smirked, "See for yourself," assuming naturally, that it had worked.

Hannibal made to move, only to find after the allotted number of steps, he was once again unable to move further. He turned to Harry, a very judgemental look upon his face. He had assumed the young man was far superior due to his abilities but he may have been wrong on that front.

"I did tell you she was rather powerful, it just means that the normal counter-spell hasn't worked," Harry said, amused. "Sevoco!" that colour was vastly different from the pervious spell that was cast, far swifter and had a little firework display, a show that the spell had dissipated?

"You knew it wouldn't work the first time," Hannibal observed, feeling a little out of sorts, he was the one used to doing the manipulating not feeling wrongfooted. Was this how the people he played with felt all the time? It was disconcerting but not enough to make him feel any regret. He didn't do regret. Often.

"I suspected," Harry corrected, "If she's performing that sort of magic she will need a tutor and very soon. Perhaps even a focus stone to help her, she's been through a major trauma which will make her learning…tangibly more difficult."

Hannibal idly wondered if Harry even realized he was more like Will than he realized. He was speaking more politely and elaborating more. Like he did, Will adopted some of his mannerisms when they were together as well. Fascinating. "Difficult how?" Mischa came first, he needed to know everything.

"Her trauma won't disappear overnight; it will take years for her to recover from the horror she experienced. Her trauma will cause her magic to act out, it might make it dangerous for her to be in public. Don't worry if anything happens, we protect our own, they'll be made to forget." Harry explained, "Tell me, had she ever showed signs of magic before?" holding his breathe.

"Never," Hannibal said as sure as he knew his own mind, he knew Mischa had never displayed a single sign of magic in their childhood.

"Then her first sign was me bringing her back," Harry declared, relieved to hear that, it means there was no chance of her suppressing it, of becoming an Obscurial. She'd flourish, it would just take time, kindness and patience. Moving off, accidentally clinking the bottles of whatever was in the bag. "What did you bring with you?" potions perhaps?

"Medicine," Hannibal explained, going on to name each and every single one of the bottles, what they were for and why he was using it.

"Huh, Muggle medicine doesn't work well on us," Harry said, staring intently at the bag, flicking towards Mischa, "Potions work better with our magic."

Hannibal's interest was immediate, nobody could say Hannibal wasn't interested in a knowledge. "Do you have books so that I may better understand what Mischa might need?"

"I do," Harry replied, glancing at Will to see his gaze had never wavered from the child.

"She's so hungry, so scared, alone in a…cave? Basement? Strung up…screaming for her 'Annibal'," Will's words caused a shudder to wrack Hannibal's frame. A vulnerability he hadn't contemplated anyone finding out. Wills hand making its way to his unmarred throat, his gaze faraway as it turned to face him, a flash of understanding beginning to take root.

Understanding that this had been the beginning of the monster that was now the Chesapeake ripper.

A/N – sorry guys it always takes me longer to get Hannibal chapters out, I can safely say it takes more focus, time and concentration to try and keep him in character – and I sincerely hope I am even just a little bit – obviously with differences since Hannibal would likely rather cut open Harry and Will's heads for real in the series LMAO 😉 Hannibal is definitely hard work despite knowing how I want the story to go its focusing on keeping it real that is phew exhausting! Anyway, there we go that's the next chapter up I hope you're still enjoying it! R&R do you want to see Will working for Jack or would you be happy to see them all bonding and magic and everything in-between?