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Wolf Trap have always been an excellent veil for those seeking refuge from prying eyes. It was under this protective embrace that Will Graham found a solace he could never have in the wizarding world. The isolated woods always brought him a sense of comfort others could not comprehend.
The tranquil woods of Wolf Trap were an unusual location for someone like Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Despite his content for living in solidarity, his impeccable taste and appreciation for the finer things in life made his travel to the countryside a scene of stark contrast. But there he was, making his way to Will Graham’s house.
Dear Will had asked him to attend to his dogs while he was away. And what else could Hannibal do but happily abide? He eagerly took the opportunity and journeyed all the way to Will’s humble abode.
He would not let this opportunity pass him by.
Upon entering, the familiar ambiance of Will's abode struck him. The scent of Will, combined with the underlying aroma of old books and the faintest hint of magic (though he could not name it as such), was intoxicating. He should really somehow convince Will to drop his horrible aftershave and let Will’s own scent blossom. Either way, Hannibal began his task: feeding the dogs. Their eager faces greeted him, a sign of their begrudging acceptance of this unfamiliar visitor.
He treated them to bits of sausage, meticulously crafted by his own hands. He knows that Will makes his own dog food. Preferring homemade fare over the dubious offerings from the grocery store.
The dogs eagerly devoured the treats, each one eagerly trying to snatch every fallen bite.
Once the task was done, his curiosity, intrinsic to Hannibal’s nature, urged him to explore. The neatness of the living area, the stacks of papers and case files, and the fishing lures all painted a familiar, yet distinct picture of Will's life.
Hannibal had not expected Will to be this neat.
As he meandered through, a baby blue blanket, folded meticulously on the couch, caught his eye. Its color stood out starkly against the furniture and Will's usual style. Hannibal paused to observe it briefly, dismissing it as one of the dogs' belongings. Nonetheless, he made a mental note of it before moving on, the layout of the house drawing him in.
One of the dogs trailed behind him, a rare display of loyalty even in his owner's absence. It seemed to be a mixed breed, possibly Border Collie and German Shepherd. Perhaps he should inquire about it to Will? Hannibal decided to do so during one of their future appointments.
As he ambled through, one door, locked and distinct from the others, caught his attention.
Well, this is quite intriguing.
The closed door wasn't merely a barrier. To Hannibal, it was an unspoken challenge, an invitation to unveil another facet of Will's life. What could Will possibly be harboring?
As Hannibal attempted to open the particular locked door, the dog that had been trailing him began to huff, on the verge of barking, fixating its gaze on him.
Oh, he could not have that.
Hannibal refused to tolerate such behavior and locked eyes with the dog. The dog stood its ground. Eventually, the dog retreated, intimidated by Hannibal's unwavering stare.
With a surgeon’s precision, Hannibal picked the lock, ensuring no marks betrayed his intrusion. Slowly, he pushed the door open.
The sight was wholly unexpected.
A baby room, bathed in soft pastel hues, soft glowing lights, and delicate motifs dancing on the walls. Tiny booties, onesies, and a variety of toys were neatly arranged. In the center stood a crib, its soft blankets and plush toys telling tales of a child's presence.
A whirlwind of emotions played out on Hannibal's face. Surprise, for one. The discovery was entirely out of left field. Then curiosity and trace of... envy? Here lays a part of Will's life he hadn't even fathomed. His Will - or so he liked to think - was a father.
Thoughts raced through his mind. Who was the child? Why had Will kept it hidden? Does Will have a secret family? That oddly makes Hannibal angry.
How did this new facet fit into the intricate puzzle?
As he continued to take in the room, Hannibal's fingers brushed against a small photo frame. A picture of Will, holding a baby with tufts of hair that oddly resembled his, eyes full of love and warmth.
The words scribbled below read,
“Daddy and Teddy.”
Hannibal stood there with a sense of relief and intrigue, lost in thought. This discovery added a layer of depth to Will he hadn't anticipated. And in his heart, a new desire blossomed - to know this side of Will, to be a part of this hidden world. This realization, that there were layers to Will he was yet unaware of, both irked and excited him.
With one last lingering glance, ensuring everything remained as he found it, Hannibal exited the room, relocking the door.
As he left Will’s house, he felt different, heavier with newfound knowledge. The drive back to Baltimore was reflective. This new piece of information about Will added another layer to the intricate tapestry of their relationship. And Hannibal was eager, more than ever, to delve deeper.
By the time Will returned home, evening had descended. Teddy's soft murmurs emanating from his tiny form strapped securely in his car seat. With practiced ease, Will carried the boy inside, setting him down in the living room where the little one was immediately greeted by the enthusiastic licks of the dogs.
Winston also seemed to be extra clingy, so Will reciprocated by lavishing him with attention.
But as Will moved to prepare Teddy's dinner, a subtle sensation prickled at the edges of his awareness. It was like an almost imperceptible hum in the air, a ripple in the magic that cocooned his home.
His heart rate quickened, his magic instinctively flaring in protective alarm. Eyes narrowing, Will made his way to Teddy's room. The door was locked as he had left it, but as he pushed it open, his innate magical senses, honed over years of duels and battles, confirmed his suspicions: Someone had been inside.
Though nothing seemed out of place, a kind of silent violation lingered in the air. Will's thoughts raced. Who could it have been? What had they been looking for? And more importantly, how had they bypassed the protective enchantments he had placed on Teddy's room?
Teddy, sensing Will’s distress, toddled to the door, his big eyes filled with questions.
"Dada?" he questioned, his tiny voice laced with concern.
Will forced a smile, bending down to scoop the boy into his arms.
"It's alright, Teddy. Just thought I misplaced something," he murmured, kissing the child's forehead.
But as the evening wore on, Teddy was lulled into a peaceful sleep in Will’s room. Will's thoughts were anything but calm. His protective instincts were on high alert. He set about reinforcing the enchantments around the house, especially Teddy's room.
While the magic weaved its tapestry, Will’s mind wandered to potential intruders. Few knew of this place, even fewer knew of Teddy. But one name did cross his mind – Hannibal. He had gone to attend to his dogs after all. Their recent meetings, the penetrating gazes, the subtle probing questions. Could he have...?
But no definitive answers came that night. Will sank into an uneasy sleep, his wand on the nightstand, Teddy's soft breathing a comforting lullaby amidst the storm of uncertainties.