Like I said before, updates will be slower now, sorry guys. But like usual, I already know what I want to write for the next chapter…
Over two hours later, after the third revision, Harry and Crowley had finally managed to come to an acceptable agreement.
"Finally," Harry exhaled in relief, stretching his back. Negotiating with Crowley hadn't been… fun to say the least. It seemed his father was determined to keep him safe in the way of overprotectiveness, but Harry was a very independent person, he didn't want to be wrapped in a protective bubble for the rest of his life.
Crowley grimaced at the pop pop noises his back made, waiting until his son leaned back into his seat. "Alright. Let's review, shall we?" Crowley cleared his throat.
"Number one, Julian will serve as your bodyguard, tutor, and mentor. Julian and a Hellhound will be with you for protection at all times, unless I state otherwise. If I am unavailable or otherwise indisposed, Julian will see to your care." Crowley looked over to Harry, waiting for him to nod in acknowledgement before he continued.
Harry still didn't like the thought of his father being 'otherwise indisposed,' even after he calmly explained to him that he had many enemies in his line of work, 'nasty business, love.' Plus adding the danger with the Apocalypse… well it's safe to say that Crowley wouldn't budge.
"You are free to help stop the Apocalypse, but only after the following requirements are met: Point one, you will study on the supernatural. Point two, you will learn to control all Cambion abilities that may arise once the suppressions are off. Point three, you will further your study of magic, especially defensive and offensive magic. Point four, you will learn some type of fighting style without magic. All of the above requirements are determined completed only with approval from both Julian and I."
Harry nodded when Crowley looked at him. He liked that he was allowed to help— this one took a lot of time for him and Crowley to agree on, although he would only agree with a lot of stipulations. Which was understandable considering that Crowley didn't want Harry to be involved in the first place. But seeing as the Apocalypse is literally the end of the world— well they both figured that any help at this point would be welcome.
Crowley was surprised that Harry didn't want to go after Voldemort, but Harry figured he would 'let Dumbledore and the Ministry deal with their own messes for once.' And Crowley was all for it, the less danger the better.
"Next— Until such a time, you will stay away from supernatural creatures unless you have my approval. Only a select few of my lackeys will know about your presence."
It was unavoidable that word would get out about his presence once he involves himself with trying to stop the Apocalypse. But right now, Harry would just focus on learning, training, and getting to know his father better.
"Number four, you will stay with me in Hell until you are ready to help."
This point took a lot of discussion, Harry didn't exactly want to stay in Hell— but once Harry found out that time in Hell went by much faster than time on the surface, he readily agreed. He could train for years in Hell, while (hopefully) nothing important has happened on the surface because only a week or two has gone by.
Crowley also brought up the fact that spending time in Hell might rapidly age Harry considering he was alive and half-human. No Cambion has lived in Hell, so Crowley couldn't be sure… but he has seen the ageing effect that Hell had on humans who still had their bodies. Harry wasn't too happy about it, but it would be worth it to be able to fight.
"Next: Voldemort. I will deal with him, but until he is dealt with, you will not step foot in the Wizarding World without my permission. If I give you permission, you will have a protection detail with you at all times, which will consist of no less than four guards— not including Julian."
Part of Harry felt like saying 'screw it' and just let Voldemort have free reign, but he couldn't in good conscious, knowing many innocents would die. Crowley was surprised that Harry didn't want to deal with Voldemort himself, especially because he heard his son had a 'hero-complex.' But Harry explained to him that most of it was circumstantial— in the right place at the wrong time.
Harry had paused at that, before going on to explain what his supposed 'best friend' and his family had done, how Ron lead him into dangerous situations. He knew full well that something would happen to them when he told his father, but he felt that they would deserve it. I mean, Harry could have died in the Chamber or even in first year with the Stone… in any of those exploits really, so Harry felt no guilt for what might happen (well maybe a little guilt, but that's beside the point).
"You will wear a charm at all times that will hide you from Angels, Demons… the whole shebang. Of course, Julian and I will be exceptions."
Crowley was a collector of many fine things, it was a hobby of his. And he could distinctly remember an ancient Roman artifact he bought from an auction some— 300 years ago now. Its origins are unknown, but it was found in Rome, and when Crowley's eyes passed over it at the auction like it wasn't there, well Crowley grew curious. So, he bought it, and then after a few years of studying and testing it, found that it could hide someone from any type of creature— and creatures could only see through it if their blood was tied to it.
"And lastly… let's see…" He skimmed the parchment "Ah yes, here we are… you will keep your cell phone on you at all times, which will be provided by me. When I call, you will pick up immediately. If you do not, I will call again. If you don't answer the second time, I will call Julian. If Julian does not answer, then I will come to your location myself."
Harry nodded reluctantly, he still felt this was being too strict, but the first revision was much much worse. Apparently, Crowley was going to try and offset years of noninvolvement with being overprotective. But like he said before, considering the circumstances, he couldn't really fault him.
"You will use the code phrase 'I'm not going to be able to make it to dinner tonight' if you are ever in trouble and need me to help you without alerting anyone."
Crowley finished, scanning through the parchment one more time to make sure he didn't miss anything. Once satisfied, he looked up, just in time to catch Harry yawning widely, giving Crowley a sheepish smile afterwards "Its late." Crowley looked at his watch, surprised at the time "so enough for tonight, eh?"
Harry nodded in agreement, standing up and following Crowley to the door. Harry yawned again, still tired from his restless nap hours before. Crowley chuckled, patting Harry's shoulder and leading him further down the hall. Julian opened the door for them, Harry gazing around his new room curiously.
"I hope you like it, we can always change it later if you don't…" Crowley hedged, feeling uncertain as he watched Harry look out the window.
Harry turned back to his father "Oh, no its great, really. I love it." He admitted, surveying the room once more. He felt like a prince, and actually… maybe he was— didn't Crowley call himself the 'King of Hell?'
"I'm glad." Crowley placed his hands in his pockets, feeling awkward "Well… uh I guess this is where I leave you."
"Er… right." Harry rubbed the back of his head nervously before he broke into another wide yawn.
"Right." Crowley repeated, turning to leave the room "Well… goodnight."
"Wait!" Harry yelled, blushing when his father spun back around quickly with an alarmed expression on his face, startled at the loud yell.
"What? What is it?"
"I— I just wanted to say uh… thank you for coming to find me I guess. I— I uh, well I'm glad you did."
"Of course I came for you Harry. You're my son."
"I know… but still, thank you."
Crowley sighed "You're welcome." He took in the tired form of his son "Julian will wake you up in the morning. Get a good rest, okay?" And with that he left the room, giving a cheerful "Goodnight" before softly closing the door behind him.
"…Goodnight Dad" He replied to the closed door before sighing and falling face-first on the bed. He turned over on his back, staring at the ceiling, hoping that when he woke up this wouldn't all turn out to be a dream.
I'm always uncertain about the stuff I write, but I think I did pretty well… Next chapter is Gringotts, yay!
I forgot about my magical review dog! Here he is again! (V●ᴥ●V) *puppy dog eyes* review?
