Chapter 23

"So when can I join the Undead Parade?"

"When you're dead."

"Oh, is that it?"

"Luna put down that knife!"

"Jager."

"Yes, Lord Bermuda?"

"I order you to shoot me," The Vindice Warden spoke firmly unable to pry his eyes away from the scene unfolding before him. It was almost like watching a train wreck, you knew you should just look away but you just couldn't. It was just that horrifying and oh God he was going to have to Obliterate the last hour just to be capable of closing his eyes ever again without being haunted by the images.

"Apologizes Lord Bermuda but if I must endure then so must you." Traitor.

Taking a deep breath, the Ex-Night Arcobaleno eyes the scantily clad- they probably would have been beautiful to others- women smiling at him before speaking in firm 'I'm considering gutting you if I don't like your answer' tone.

"Tsunayoshi-kun, would you kindly inform me on why you and your Guardians are dressed as Hookers?"

"How did-" The brunette began startled before clearing her -His? What does one call his abomination?- throat, "I'm afraid you must be mistaken. I don't' know a Tsunayoshi-kun. Why don't you come with me and I'll help you relax, Handsome."

Really? He was in currently a two-year-old covered in his Vindice Uniform. There wasn't a single speck of skin to be seen! Though the other couldn't see it, Bermuda granted who he was certain was the Vongola Decimo a deadpanned look.

"Pedophilia is against the law-"

"I'm sure you're older then you look."

Did that brat just interrupt him? The Vindice warden could feel his eye began to develop a twitch as a hand gently -probably meant to be seductively- brushed against his bandaged cheek. Bermuda could taste the throw up in the back of his throat -the gesture was wrong, wrong, wrong. The hand was too small, too soft, too gentle.- as he felt Jager's shoulder stiffen beneath him.

"Tsunayoshi-kun," The emerald eyed Chibi allowed his voice to ice over as it deepened, "I'm married."

"HHHEEEIII!"

Was it natural for someone's tone to reach that pitch? Maybe one of that Cheeky Brats descendants married a banshee? If so it would explain a lot about Decimo's 'I can shatter glass and eardrums alike' scream.

Still, the raining of his ears was well worth it. Bermuda couldn't help but smirk at the passed at, foaming at the mouth forms of Decimo's Storm and Lightning. The rain was laughing, that ever cheerful smile growing as he congratulated the Vindice Warden, while the two Mist seemed to have devolved a permeant twitch of the brow. The only sign of Reborn's alarm was the slight lowering of the jaw and inch widening of his eyes, which was quickly hidden. Only the Cloud looked as though he couldn't care less -He probably didn't- yet it was Decimo's reaction itself that made it all worth it.

Tsunayoshi's brown eyes seemed to have become dinner plates as his jaw attempted to meet the earth below. The brunette had his hands fisted into his hair tugging on it as he ran in circles like a chicken without a head while screaming for the whole world to hear.

"HHHHHEEEEIIII!"

"Jager, please tell me your recording this."

After all, it's not every day Blackmail like this fell into one's lap.

"It's been recording from the start Lord Bermuda."

"HHHHHHHHEEEEEEEIIIIII!" The only suddenly skidded to a stop, pointing a shaking finger at the two Vindice, "Who would marry you?!"

Was the idea of him being married that to him bad?... Nah, it couldn't be.

Before the Vindice Warden could answer, the golden-eyed man spoke first with a slight offense in his tone.

"I did."

"HHHHHHEEEEEEEIIIIIII!" Thump!

Slowly, Inhumane emerald and molten gold glanced down at the unconscious Decimo who had just passed out due to a brain overload and a million mental images within his mind that he never wanted to see.

When Tsunayoshi woke it would only to find himself, his Guardians, and Reborn locked within a cell in Vendicare under the charges of attempted prostitution, trespassing alongside breaking and entering. Once more the Mafia World was puzzled as the Vongola Decimo, His Guardians and The Worlds Best Hitman disappeared without a trace for a whole year.

__________

He was hallucinating.

It was the only thing that made sense.

When Jager had heard his Lord scream -in pure unadulterated terror. When was the last time he had heard Bermuda so terrified?- for him, the golden-eyed man had assumed the worst.

He had also broken six walls and three-door in blind panic before finally tearing his way into his Lords office, ready to fight to the Death against whatever was attempting to harm the younger. The Vindice Warrior expected many things:

Enemy Mafioso that somehow penetrated Vendicare. It could happen, though the golden-eyed man highly doubted they would be enough to conquer His Lord.

The Ex-Arcobaleno seeking piety revenge. For some reason, they seemed to believe Bermuda had a Cure for their current forms and was hoarding it from them. No doubt Checkerface was somehow behind that, trying to stir up trouble once more.

The Vongola Decimo who seemed to have recently gained a fondness for breaking into their prison and harassing His Lord. It had gotten to the point their names had been engraved in a plaque above their Cells.

Hell, Jager had even been prepared to face off against Checkerface, himself. It wouldn't be the first time the Creature broke into Vendicare to attack His Lord. Maybe this time he had found some way of neutralizing Bermuda.

Yes, the golden-eyed Vindice had been ready for anything, or so he thought. Yet the moment he throws open His Lord's office door, Jager could all but feel his brain freeze. Maybe- after all this time- something was wrong with his eyes?

For in the office was His Lord, running around his desk in circles with the bandages on the right side of his face torn while being chased by a beautiful snowy white owl -who Jager would swear was glaring death at His Lord's back as she swooped down only for the Vindice Warden to barely throw himself out of the way of harm- with blood on her talons.

"-going to retrieve you, Hedwig, I swear!"

If Jager didn't know better he would swear the owl granted His Lord a disbelieving 'Oh Really?' look.

What in the Nine Realms of Hell had he just walked into?

He must have made some noise of confusion -or His Lord's 'Jager' radar went off- for hopeful Inhumane emerald eyes looked his way in utter relief.

"Jager, Help!"

Bermuda would forever be grateful towards Jager's Casanova Skills that apparently worked just as well on angry Owls as it did on the countless Men and Women, who had fallen for the elder's charms. It would take months before Hedwig was willing to forgive Bermuda for taking so long in retrieving her until then Hedwig could usually be found riding on the Jager's free shoulder preening Jager's hair or with Luna.

It would take Bermuda a month to find the letter Hedwig had been carrying which had been lost in his ceiling-high stacks of paperwork. Upon reading it, an icy chill would fill the office as livid Night Flames could be throughout the Halls of Vendicare.

"Jaeger, bring me, Neville Longbottom. Now."

_________

Neville Longbottom knew he was inviting trouble into his house the moment he wrote that letter. He was all but begging for it to be honest. After all, No one wrote to the Vindice.

They were the darkest of creatures- the sole reason people feared the darkness of the Night- that belongs only to one's Worst Nightmares. Yet he had requested an audience with one of them. He must have lost his mind.

There was no other reason to explain the madness he was all but inviting into his life and home. Still, Madness or not he has to do it. He has to bring This to their attention, it was his Duty as not only a Gryffindor but as a Friend.

So even as a dark abyss form before him- a bandaged hand grabbing ahold to the edge as the rattle of chains fill the room as the Creature, covered in bandages and dressed as an old-fashioned gentleman pulls itself out- the Gryffindor swallows his nerves and steadies his courage.

Slowly -or maybe it was just his mind making every slow down due to his barely restrained terror- the creature standing, towering over the blond before speaking in a dark emotionless tone.

"Neville Longbottom. You are to accompany me into the Halls of Vendicare."

It sounds like a Death Sentence but if Neville is honest, this is what he wanted so he reached for the bandaged hand offered out to him. Better to take the hand then be dragged into Hell by the chains. The abyss should be terrifying, Neville would acknowledge that, yet the moment he enters all the blonde could think was: Beautiful.

The expected darkness was there, but there was something else as well. A Mist a red, orange, purple and pink mixed together- it reminds him a bit of watching the sun rise in the early morning hours- with millions of smalls lights all around them. He seems this before, somewhere in a book. Yet before he could figure out where it's gone and he's suddenly standing before a throne within a darkened room.

There's a baby sitting upon the throne, a rather creepy baby at that. Immediately upon arrival, Vindice lets go of his hand to kneel upon the ground. Deciding it would be best for his health, Neville follows his lead.

"Neville Longbottom," the being upon the throne- for such a voice could never come from a true baby- spoke with a deep voice that sent chills down the blonde's spine while making the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention, "You have quite the nerve attempting to Blackmail me."

_______

"The Vindice took Neville!"

Instantly all sound stopped as a horror filed silence filled the air and wide terrified eyes looked onto the ragged, panting form of Remus Lupin. The silence was suffocating- already full of Dread and Mourning- as chocolate eyes darted from one pale gaunt face to another, before the brunette woman is known as Hermione Granger finally spoke in confusion, "Who's the Vindice? And why would they take Neville?"

In Bermuda's memories, Neville was stocky, shy child constantly pressured beneath the expectations of his Grandmother's constant attempts to turn him into his Father. The blond had only just begun to come forth from his shell -choosing to swallow his fear in favor of believing in a friend- when Harry had 'died'. While he had been on his way there, the Shy Gryffindor hadn't quite been the man currently glaring him down -as though he had spat upon his late Mother's grave- in a silent challenge.

'I care not my own fate, but through the actions of my Great, Great, Great Grandfather: Samuel Longbottom; you owe My Family a Life Debt Bermuda von Veckenschtein and I will see it fulfilled. I know you have him, Veckenschtein. You will tell me where Harry Potter is, You will allow me to see him, and you will make a vow to me on your life that you will protect him for any who seek to his harm.'

Yes, this was not the God Brother he left behind. Emerald eyes observed the wizard before him closely as his mind pondered over matter. The Vindice Warden didn't know how Neville knew- though he suspected Family Magic- Bermuda knew he couldn't allow the other to leave with such knowledge; least it ends up in other hands.

"Very well, Neville Longbottom, I shall allow you to see Harry Potter-"

"And grant me the Vow."

"-and grant you the Vow should you still desire it after meeting with him; but in turn, you will never leave the Halls of Vendicare again. "

Bermuda was not asking- nor was it optional- and it was clear by the firm look within those earthly eyes, Neville understood that as well. Whether he took this accord or not, Neville would never be allowed to leave.

"Then lead me where Harry is. I want to see him, Now."

"Very well then."

Bermuda could feel the sharp spike of his magic as he forms began to shift- tearing away the bandages that restricted him- before allowing a smirk to appear on his face as his Inhumane Eyes glowed brightly. It was fascinating watching that serious 'I will kill you if you try screwing with me' look slowly fade away as earthy eyes widened into plate-sized portions and Neville's jaw seemed to unhinge itself before stuttering like a school girl before her crush.

"H-H-Harry?"

Ah, there was the Shy Lion Bermuda had left behind though one would think the blond saw a ghost with how pale he was becoming. The Vindice Warden could feel his smirk widening- showing far too many teeth to be considered friendly- as Inhumane emerald stared down upon the other as though he was a plump, juicy prey before a starving predator.

"Actually Neville, its Bermuda. Bermuda von Veckenschtein."

Bermuda watched amused as Neville opened and closed his mouth several times- trying to form words that wouldn't come- before the other's earthy eyes rolled into the back of his head. Thud!

　_______________

Chapter 24

"But what about Voldemort?"

"Neville, Voldemort is still a man. Horcrux or no Horcrux, an idiot could kill him if you gave them the right materials to do so."　

"But the prophecy-"

"Prophecies only become true if one believes or acts upon them. I have done neither therefore it is null and void. As far as I'm concerned if Magical London is not willing to fight for itself then it does not deserve to survive. "

"This is the garden. From now on this will be your domain."

Neville couldn't help but raise a brow as he stared out at the skeleton hand trees and the pitch black grass- Was it even possible to kill grass to that point- that filled the landscape before him. Why was there a graveyard in the middle of the garden?

"You call this a garden?"

"It used to be-"

"Bermuda, there's a graveyard right in the middle of the 'garden'."

Though Neville couldn't see it, emerald eyes glance his way in annoyance. What was it with people and interrupting him lately? Surely, they knew he had removed tongues for less. Then again, Neville was new to the Staff of Vendicare. He likely hadn't been warned yet so for this time -and this time alone- Bermuda allowed it to pass.

"If you would allow me to finish, I was going to say it used to be before Jack decided to turn it into a living Plants VS Zombie Simulation."

"...Is that even possible?"

"Its Jack," Bermuda couldn't help but deadpanned as though it explained everything leaving Neville rather baffled. Surely this 'Jack' couldn't be that bad...Right?

Later, Neville would curse himself for tempting Fate. Jack, as it turned out, wasn't that bad, despite his best intentions the redhead was worse.

　_________

"Giotto, I swear to whatever God is out there, if you don't get back inside your ring I will exorcist you."

"But Bermuda, I missed you~"

A large smile formed on the spirits face as it once more attempted to hug the Vindice Warden only to fall through him causing a shiver to race down the other's spine as emerald eyes twitched beneath the Ex-Night Arcobaleno's bandages. That Cheeky Brat had to be doing this on purpose.

"You know Bermuda, I thought about you every day while I was trapped away inside my ring," The blonde Primo spoke as though it was the most natural thing in the world, "and all the necessary Cuddle Therapy you've been silently suffering without since I died-"

"I was not suffering nor do I need 'Cuddle Therapy' Vongola."

"-I tried to convenience My Successors to come and complete the Therapy in my stead but none of them would. I don't know why but they seemed terrified of the idea."

Though the other couldn't see it, Bermuda shot the Blond Spirit an 'Are you serious?' look before deadpanning, "I wonder why."

Primo's smile brightened as his orange eyes seemed to shine with happiness, "Me too. I asked them but they keep saying something about Vendicare, Vindice, and you needed 'Personal Space' whatever that is."

Bermuda couldn't help but sigh as he resisted to urge to bang his head through the nearest wall. It appeared the Cheeky Brat was still an idiot and not even Death could cure that. Maybe it wasn't too late to apologize to whatever God he had offended -for surely he must have offended one if they decided to trap him with this idiot centuries after the said idiot's Death.

"-Thankfully Tsuna-Chan agreed with me, though he said I'd have to distract you first-"

Wait... What? Bermuda couldn't stop his emerald eyes from widening as he heard the shifting of air behind him and barely managed to throw himself across the room before an orange blur crashed into tree he was sitting under.

Bermuda would spend the rest of his day being chased around the outer gardens of Vendicare by a 'Dying Will Mode' Tsunayoshi and a pleased Giotto, who was constantly encouraging the Brunette to 'Save Bermuda with Cuddles, Tsuna-Chan!'

Jager was most displeased -and made it known- upon finding the Spirit and his Descendant upon Vendicare Property. Especially upon realize the more they distracted -God Damn it, he thought he got rid of that Cuddling his Lord issue when Giotto died and lost a physical body- Bermuda from his Paperwork, the more the golden-eyed man would have to help with. Neville's reaction to the state of the Garden would be even worse.

　
_

_________

Stars- Beautiful and bright as they filled him with a comfortable warmth that always made his head spin- they were all Bermuda could see and if he was honest, all he wanted to see at the moment.

"Bermuda, have you seen Jag-"

Though he didn't want to, the eternal teenager opened his eyes- making the stars vanish but not the warmth- as Jager pulled away and as one the two looked towards Alejandro, who looked as though he wanted to be anywhere else but there at the moment.

"Yes, Alejandro. I've seen Jager, do you need him for something?"

The platinum-haired Vindice shifted slightly before giving a nod, "Incident in the Sealed Levels I'm afraid."

Mentally sighing, Bermuda slowly relaxed his grip on the golden-eyed man's shirt. Damn it. Sometimes Bermuda would swear Vendicare was sentient and purposely suffered incidents every time he and Jager had a moment to themselves.

"Thank you, Alejandro, we'll be there in a moment. "

The dismissal hadn't even fully left the Vindice Warden's lips before the Doll Maker vanished into a burst of Night Flames. Though Bermuda paid it no mind, nuzzling his face into Jager's shoulder with a soft groan, "Its a conspiracy." Every time Bermuda got close to reaching 'third base' something- ranging from cannibal goldfish to global disasters that would literally rip the world into pieces unless dealt with- would always happen and force them to focus on other matters.

A soft chuckle and slight tightening of arms wrapped securely around his waist were the emerald-eyed teens only answer.

_____

　
T

he Vindice.

The Vindice: XXXXXXX Dark Class Unknown

Origins: Unknown

Abilities: Unknown

Weaknesses: None

Recommended Action upon Contact: For NO reason shall one interfere with their work. Should you stubble across a Vindice it is recommended you flee and hide until such a time they are no longer within the area

Creatures of pure darkness who has existed from the dawn of time, silently keeping watch over the Muggle world and the Magical One while enforcing even the oldest of Unspoken Laws; Those who break these Laws are usually taken by the Vindice and never seen again.

Its believed that Dementors were created through the Vindice after a spell of a wizard traveled though it's target- as though it was but an illusion that had sprung to life- and severed the creatures cloak. According to eyewitnesses, the redhead Vindice touched the torn piece of its' cloak only for it to spring to life; a husk of a demon that instantly sought the souls of others and instantly sought out the nearest Magical. The Vindice sealed it inside a castle that is now known as Azkaban Prison.

That was it, no matter where else Hermione Granger searched she could find no more than that half a page of information within one of the oldest books within the Black Library. Honestly, it was no wonder she had never heard of the frightening creatures- for what else could be seen as one of them Created Dementors?- before, seeing as Wizards seemed determined to ensure they were solely believed to be myth.

Though she thought it as unfair and unjust none of the Muggleborn were warned of their constant observes -Merlin, how many laws had she tiptoed with Harry and Ron, yet never quite managed to cross without so much as a warning 'The Golden Trio' was constantly placing their freedom and Very Souls upon the line- the brunette could not deny the Wizarding World's Logic- 'What sane Muggleborn would dare to set a foot in our world after learning about them?'- after all, her eleven year old self wouldn't have dared to set a foot in this world either had she known about the Creatures born of the Darkness that were undoubtedly watching her right at this moment. The thought alone had shiver of dread racing down the Witch's back as her chocolate eyes darted towards the shadows. For some reason, she no longer wished to be alone.

After all, they had stolen Neville right out of the Heart of Longbottom Manor- from the midst of centuries worth of wards, runes, Family Magic, and defenses- who was to say she was safe even behind the Fidelius Charm that surrounded Order Headquarters? Most likely they wouldn't even notice it- tearing through it like wet paper- should the creatures truly desire to target those cowering behind its so-called 'safety'.

　
_

____

He would not laugh. He would not laugh.

The golden-eyed man could feel the corners of his lips twitch -though he would not laugh. Outright refusing to allow so much as a snicker to leave his lips - as he stared between His Lord's 'Why Me?' expression towards the object Luna and Jack was offering the younger. By all rights it wasn't anything much, just a handmade clock almost identical towards the His Lord's Trademarked one.

Almost, but not quite.

The only difference was the colors; while Bermuda's cloak was usually a shade of Midnight Black with matching Feathers, the thing within the two Guardians hands looked as though a Rainbow had spat upon its cloth and a bright neon pink flamingo had donated its feathers. The constant sparkles ever time the light managed to hit the- unholy- creation didn't help matters either.

No, he was not going to laugh. He was not going to laugh... At least, not towards His Lord's face that is. Once the younger's back was turned would be a different matter entirely.

"Do you like it?"

The blond Mist asked hopefully, eyes blown wide- full of pride and in anticipation for Bermuda's judgment upon her hard work- as a smile stretched across her lips. Jack held a similar look, though Jager would swear he saw that damn tail wagging behind the other again, like an overeager puppy.

The Strongest Vindice Warrior watched in silent amusement as His Lord's Inhumane eyes darted from one eager face to the other before offered them a -rather pained- smile as he wet his lips before speaking, "I love it."

The two didn't hear the obvious stress in His Lord's tone- far too busy being overjoyed the Vindice Warden had appreciated their efforts- as one they both turned towards the emerald-eyed Chibi with bright eyes and large smiles, "Can we help you put it on?"

No, he would not laugh no matter how hard His poor damned Lord made it.

Though it was obvious, Bermuda didn't desire to allow the cloak within fifty feet of his being, The Ex-Night Arcobaleno wore it with a sense of nonchalant pride. Even when Vongola attempted to once more break into the Halls of Vendicare. It had been handmade for him after all and wearing it seemed to make Jack and Luna happy -if the tight suffocating hugs and overly bright smiles they gave every time they saw him meant anything- so he didn't really mind.