A/N: Hey guys, I know it is a long time since my last update – actually exactly one year – but don't worry this isn't abandoned. The problem was that I had to find a job and once I found one it took up so much time that I hadn't any drive to write anymore. However, now I came up with a nice little system (completely with alerts in my calendar that shouts at me^^) with which I update one of my stories with larger chapters (5k+ length) on the first Sunday of the month. Yes, I know that was last Sunday but I was on holidays so therefore that little delay.

But now without any further ado the new chapter!

Chapter 9: A New Day

Lily looked at Severus once more before she looked back to her son. "It seems that Severus is your father," she told him.

Harry looked from his mother to Severus and Lucifer before looking back at her, gaping at them in shock, awe, and surprise. Severus though wasn't fairing any better, the normally stoic man stared at Lily before switching to Harry his eyes wide in surprise.

"I…I…," Harry started looking right at Severus before swallowing hard. "I have a father? An entire family?"

Lily in reply smiled at him. "Yes sweetheart, you have a family and we love you, we both do. Never doubt that," she said cupping Harry's cheek with her hand.

But Harry looked pensively at Severus, who still sat there silently staring at him. The longer the man simply sat there staring at him the more Harry got the feeling that the man wouldn't want him, completely forgetting that said man had helped his mother trying to get him back. However, it didn't take Severus long to come out of his stupor and when he saw the worried look on Harry's…no, his son's face, he came to a decision. Standing up he walked over to Harry where he crouched down to be on eye level with the boy.

"Harry, it is true that learning that you're my son is a shock for me especially since I never contemplated getting children of my own," he explained, holding up a hand when it looked like Harry wanted to say something. "It is a shock but a pleasant one. Even if you were not my son I would love you nonetheless and if you allow it I will be the father you deserve to have."

Severus didn't get any further because suddenly Harry launched himself at him with tears in his eyes, knocking him over so that both fell flat on the floor, but Severus didn't mind. Lily though tried to supress a laugher over it, finding it entertaining how Severus the normally stoic man, who only sneered at children, now had a son, a son she was sure he would love and cherish.

Lucifer didn't fare any better upon that sight, grinning broadly though he tried to ignore the not so small part that was jealous that it wasn't him Harry looked at so happily.

"Thank you," Harry sniffed before leaning back so that he could look at Severus.

Harry was speechless, not only were here two people, whom he admittedly knew nothing of, who not only wanted him but also went out and above to be there for him. Here was a family that not only wanted him but also wanted him to be happy and all because of Lucifer. He had no idea how many times he had prayed, that someone would come and get him away from his relatives, prayed to god that he shall save him but never anything happened. After a few years of praying he had lost hope and faith, how could a god that was supposed to be a good guy let him live the life he had? Slowly but surely, he began to hate god but then his prayers had been heard but not by god, oh no.

No, it had been the probably most unlikely source, Lucifer. The devil, the deceiver, the ultimate evil as some see him. It hadn't surprised Harry when Lucifer admitted that he originally had come to kill him. Who in their right mind would think that the devil comes to you to save you? What a ludicrous thought!

But here he was, saved by the fallen angel, his friend and hell, he would do nearly everything for him to repay him for what he did for him. Harry still didn't know why the archangel did all this for him, but he swore that he would show Lucifer just how grateful he was. Maybe he should stop being so snarky towards him? Yes, that sounded like a good point to begin.

"Can I call you dad?" he finally asked cheekily when he realized that he was still lying on his father.

Severus sat up, pulling Harry with him so that the boy came to sit in his lap. "You're a cheeky little brat," he said without any bite and a small smile gracing his lips. "But only in private."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Harry chanted hugging his father close. "And blame Uncle Al."

"Uncle Al?" Lily questioned confused.

"Alastair," Harry answered with a broad grin that became positively evil. "He's really cool, taught me a lot of stuff, especially concerning a certain other uncle of mine."

"That explains…a lot, why he is here first and foremost," Severus mused.

"Wait! Alastair? As in the chief torturer of hell? That Alastair?" Lily was shocked, what has her son been up to ever since he broke from his prison?

"And the resident History of Magic Professor," Lucifer added.

"Indeed. He told me a few very interesting things," Severus replied when he saw his son yawning.

With a gaze at the clock on the mantelpiece he saw that it was already far past curfew, so it was no wonder that his son was tired. Considering that he had lessons the other day, including potions for which he should be awake, it was time for him to get to bed.

"Come on Harry, you need to go to bed," he said standing up and pulling Harry with him.

"But…" Harry began, not wanting to leave them just yet, but was interrupted by Severus.

"No but Harry, you have lessons tomorrow and for those you need to be awake. I'm not leaving you and I'm quite confident that your mother will stay here too so that you can come to us whenever you want," Severus explained while stroking a strand of hair out of Harry's face.

Would any other person, especially his students see how Severus treated his son they would have thought that either someone held the man under the Imperius curse or that they entered another universe. Severus was nothing like his normal self that hated anyone and everyone but a loving even if a bit stern father.

"Of course, sweetheart, I might not be here while you two have your lessons but in the evening, I'll make sure to be here," his mother added.

"Okay," he reluctantly nodded his agreement. Harry knew that it would be pointless for his mother to stay around all the time when neither Severus nor he would be available, but he was glad that she wished to be there when they were free.

Severus smiled at him. "Before you go, there are two things I need to address. First, be careful around Dumbledore. I don't know what it is, but I have the feeling that there is more about him than it may seem and he's hell bent on making Harry his little martyr," he told them. "Second, Dumbledore is under the impression that I hate you Harry because of your…because of James."

Harry cocked his head. "Why would you hate me because of him?" he wondered.

"He has the notion that I'm so immature as to project my deep dislike of James upon you," he took a deep breath. "If you accede to it, I would like to keep the old coot unaware of our real relationship, but it would take some acting on my part. Basically, I would have to treat you scornfully while in public but rest assured that I mean nothing by it."

Harry could clearly see and feel the tenseness of his father because he probably feared that he would hurt him with it and Harry was glad that it was the case even if unwarranted.

"Dad, you think that this will keep Dumbledore unaware?" Severus slowly nodded. "Then don't worry. I probably also will have to do and say things you won't like but at least we know that we don't mean it."

Severus embraced his son in a tight hug. "The hat was right to put you in my house," he replied with a low chuckle letting go of Harry. "Now go, it's time for bed."

Harry hugged his father before he stood up. "Good night!"

"Good night sweetheart," his mother said giving him a hug and kissing him on his head. "And remember that you can always come to us if something is the matter or you just want to talk."

"Good night…son," it would take some time to get used to this, but Severus was quite confident that it wouldn't take long.

With a nod, Harry walked over to where Lucifer stood and with a last smile towards his family, they both left Severus' quarters to get back to the common room and their dorms.

"What do you think does Lucifer want from our son?" Lily asked while sneaking an arm around Severus' midsection.

"I have no idea but from what I learned and observed today at the feast, there…is something between them and I honestly think that they are good for each other. It is astounding; Harry managed to convince Lucifer to be his pillow this night and all Lucifer did about it was grumbling a bit," Severus explained.

"Maybe you're right but for now I have a better idea. It has been far too long since we both had time for ourselves without having to worry about anything," Lily retorted with a devious little smile.

"Indeed!"

With that Lily dragged Severus through to the bedroom leaving a trail of clothes behind them.

Lucifer watched Harry coming out of their shared bathroom. In Slytherin, normally every student had their own room and bathroom, but Lucifer didn't even think about so much as entering his room and directly followed Harry to his. Since Harry's little ploy in the great hall no one bat an eye about it, probably having expected something like this, he had agreed to serves as his pillow after all.

Harry walked over to the bed where Lucifer was already lying comfortably and snuggled in beside him.

"Thank you…for everything," Harry said with a smile before leaning forwards and giving the archangel a kiss on the cheek.

Lucifer briefly froze before pulling Harry even closer, he knew that the boy probably didn't mean anything more with this little gesture but for him it meant everything and only reinforced his wish to protect Harry as well as making sure that he was happy. Though Harry didn't witness anything about the archangel's emotional turmoil because he already fell asleep safely tucked between Lucifer's arms.

One thing was for sure, should anyone dare to so much as look at Harry the wrong way, there would be one hell to pay.

It was early the next morning when Lucifer felt Harry stirring.

"Morning," Harry said with a smile, snuggling deeper into Lucifer's embrace, it made him feel safe, warm and with the memories of the last night coming back to him he felt as if he was in his personal heaven.

"Good morning, I hope you slept well," Lucifer replied.

"It was real, wasn't it? Everything that happened yesterday really happened...it wasn't a dream?" Harry muttered, he still couldn't believe that he had a family that actually wanted him.

"Yes, everything was real. Harry are you alright?" Lucifer asked in concern it wasn't for Harry to sound so subdued, but it was probably due to the shock and surprise, so he wasn't too worried about it.

"More than alright," Harry told him with a broad grin. "Actually, I've never been better."

"Good, are you ready to face the world again?"

Harry groaned, he didn't want to stand up, didn't want to leave the cosiness of the bed and didn't want to end this moment but he knew that he had to. Lucifer chuckled upon Harry's reluctance but a few minutes and a few prods from Lucifer later Harry finally stood up. He scuttled over to the bathroom to take a quick shower and do his morning routine. After drying himself, Harry came out of the bathroom with only the towel wrapped around his hips. He threw Lucifer, who still loitered in bed, an inquisitive glance but didn't say anything.

Lucifer rose an eyebrow upon Harry's silence, having expected at least some quip about him being lazy or such. However, Harry only walked over to the wardrobe to get dressed and so Lucifer stood up and went into the bathroom himself.

When he came out of the bathroom he saw Harry fully clothed and sitting in an armchair in front of the fire that heated their room, reading a book he got from Alastair for his birthday while his snake Teanna laid in front of the fire and soaked up the heat.

Lucifer quickly got dressed himself and not even five minutes later he stood next to Harry, looking at him expectantly. Harry grabbed his and Lucifer's bags that contained all their books and whatever else they might need – expansion and weightless charms be thanked – and handed the archangel his. Teanna in the meantime had woken up and was now wound around Harry's shoulder under his collar.

Together they left the dorms and walked through the common room where they were greeted by Draco who sat in front of one of the fires reading a book.

"Good Morning," Draco greeted them when he saw who entered the room. "Had a good night?"

"Morning, and yes thank you Draco," Harry replied with a smile while Lucifer also greeted him. "We wanted to go to breakfast, want to join us?"

"You know the way?" Draco asked surprised.

"Sure, a shortcut but yes we know how to get to the great hall," Lucifer said with a shrug.

"Lead the way," Draco replied and stepped to the side to let Harry and Lucifer pass.

The three of them left the common room and walked down a corridor before they vanished behind an armour that stood in a niche. It didn't take them three minutes for a way that normally took at least seven.

"Wow, I didn't know that there was a quicker way to the great hall," Draco said astonished when they stood before the great door.

"The castle is rather complex, and I doubt that there is anyone – alive or dead – that knows every passage and every hidden corner," Harry replied with a chuckle. "Not even the founders."

Lucifer also chuckled while he opened the right side of the double door and entered closely followed by Harry and Draco. They walked over to the Slytherin table, where they sat down and began their breakfast. In silent they sat there watching students from the other houses coming in and sitting down, how Gryffindors shuffled in, half asleep and how Ravenclaws bowed over books reading. Slowly but surely the Great Hall filled up and ten minutes after eight the other Slytherin first years joined them.

"You're already here?" Blaise asked them after he sat down and poured himself a tea.

"For about half an hour, yes," Harry replied while nibbling at a slice of toast.

Blaise rose an eyebrow but didn't say anything else.

"How did you know the way?" A girl, Daphne Greengrass, asked.

"That is the question isn't it?" Lucifer replied. "You'll see that we know quite a few things."

Right at that moment Snape appeared behind them.

"Mr. Potter," he addressed Harry with disdain in his voice. "Your timetable and next time wait for the prefects to escort you to the Great hall because I won't go searching for you should you get lost."

"What an ultimate disgrace it must be to have one's time occupied with the problems of one's charges," Harry retorted.

"I am a committed man and don't have the time to run after some dunderhead who cannot wait to be lead through the castle," Snape said with narrowed eyes.

"Not that any dunderhead would expect you to interrupt your dissection of newts or other slimy creatures for anything short of the apocalypse."

"Be careful Mr. Potter, walking on thin ice is a venturous enterprise," the scorn was now clearly audible.

"In hell there is no ice," Harry retorted with a broad grin.

"Then prepare to get burned."

"Oh, I'm highly fire resistant."

"That remains to be seen." With that Snape turned around and stalked away while continuing to hand out the timetables.

"Say, what happened last night? Snape really seems to hate you," Blaise spoke up in a low voice.

Harry who had been reading his timetable, looked up and shrugged.

"Snape seems to be of the notion that only because I'm James Potter's son, I have to be like him. But I don't really care, he's all bark and no bite," Harry answered.

"You should be careful nonetheless and don't antagonize him too much," Draco said. "He can make your life hell, but I can talk to him if you want to, I'm his godson after all."

Now Harry looked at the blond boy with interest, Draco was his godbrother? Interesting!

"Thank you, Draco, but there is no need for you to talk with him, I can handle him," he replied. "So, we have History, Herbology and potions today, sounds interesting."

"I wonder what kind of teacher this Sal Alastair is," Draco mused. "I hope he is at least better than this Binns, from what I heard he is a walking…well floating sleeping potion."

Harry snickered hearing that only to earn himself a curious look from everyone around him bar Lucifer, who was currently sipping his tea.

"Do you know something?" Blaise questioned him.

"Oh, if I know something about our history teacher? Of course, I know something," Harry said with a low snicker.

"What is it?"

"How is he as a teacher?"

"Is he strict?"

"Do you think he'll favour Gryffindor like every other teacher?"

The last question actually made Harry laugh. Oh, the hilarity of Salazar Slytherin favouring Gryffindor.

"Him…favouring Gryffindor…sorry but…I never heard a better joke…the thought alone," he brought out in between bouts of laughter ignoring the disbelieving stares.

Right at that moment his familiar Hel soared down towards him and nimbly landed next to his plate before ruffling her feathers and helping herself to some bacon. Tied to her leg was a letter and a parcel about the size of his plate. Harry, who stopped laughing to look at her in curiosity, quickly untied both and opened the letter first, which as it turned out was a good idea.

Good morning Harry,

First, don't open the parcel while in the view of others except Lucifer!

While I checked in on you last night I found the attached item in the possession of someone who certainly does not have the right to have it in his possession. Therefore, I took the liberty to replace it with a fake and let the real thing be delivered to you. It is a piece of a set of three items – called the Deathly Hallows – I gifted to three brothers a few centuries ago and which are told about that the person who manages to collect all three will become my Master. This of course is ridiculous because for anyone who wishes to become my Master would have to do far more than just collecting three items but that is beside the point.

I was uncomfortable leaving said item in the ownership of said person especially since he already owns another of the three items and while he won't be able to become my master by owning them, one of them would still give him considerable power. I probably don't have to tell you how much power he would get with two of them or in the worst case all three.

Therefore, I trust you with its security since it is by all rights yours. Yes, the brother I gifted this item was one of your ancestors and it should never have left your family to begin with. Take good care of it and use it well.

Yours faithfully

Death

Harry stared at the letter before he handed it over to Lucifer for the angel to have a look at it and tell him what he thought about it. In the meantime, he tapped the parcel that still laid next to his plate and shrunk it before placing it in the inner pocket of his robe so that no one would get to it.

If what Death wrote was correct, and he didn't doubt that it was, then certain people would want to get to it, not to mention all the other people who would want something that obviously once belonged to Death. However, Harry wondered what it was because he never heard of death gifting any mortal anything. That was when his gaze fell upon the blond sitting opposite of him and looking at Hel in curiosity, obviously never having seen such a bird.

"If I may ask, what kind of bird is that? I never saw one like it," Draco finally asked.

"She's one of a kind," Harry answered with a smug grin while stroking Hel when an idea formed. "Draco, you're well read, do you know about any instance where the entity Death gifted three items to three brothers? It must have happened in the last few centuries."

Why trying to find something out himself when he could simply ask? It wasn't that from that question alone Draco would be able to guess the reason for it.

"There is a child story that tells about what you just mentioned but why do you ask?" Draco wanted to know curiously.

"Just curiosity. The letter I received mentioned something about it, but I didn't recognize the annotation. What were those items?"

"Well according to the story three wizard brothers crossed a river that normally killed everyone who attempted it. Death was furious about it and so he approached them. In feigned generosity he would grant every brother a wish. The first one wanted a wand that would be able to beat every enemy, the second a way to resurrect his wife that had died. But the third one didn't trust Death, so he asked for a way to stay hidden from the entity's gaze. The first one got the Elder Wand, the second the resurrection stone and the third Death's invisibility cloak. While the third brother lived a long life the first soon was killed for the wand and the second committed suicide because while his wife was back she wasn't…whole," Draco explained with a shrug.

Lucifer, who also attentively listened, leaned over to Harry to whisper something to him. "The effects of the resurrection stone are similar to the stone that is missing in the ring Death gave you."

Harry nodded slowly, if he hadn't been mistaken, the package he got was soft and supple, so it could very well be the invisibility cloak. Though what made him wonder was who had it before him and what other Hallow said person possessed.

"Say Draco, do the three brothers have names?" he asked after some silence.

"The story never mentioned any names, but rumours say that it had been the Peverell bothers Antioch, who was the eldest, Cadmus, the second eldest and Ignotus, the youngest. But it is just that…a rumour. No one ever found one of the three items."

"Peverell," Harry mused in a low tone. "What do you think Lucifer?"

"I think that you'd better ask the goblins, they might be able to tell you more," Lucifer whispered back. "Anyway, that is a discussion better held away from prying ears."

Harry looked around and saw that yes, several of the Slytherins were trying to listen in.

"Hey, if you try to listen into conversations that are none of your damned business at least do it less obviously," Harry growled and as a reaction many suddenly were fascinated by their breakfast.

Lucifer chuckled while shaking his head.

"So, onto History, want to join us Draco?"

"Harry, I don't think that this is a good idea. You heard what Professor Snape told you, we should wait for the prefects to guide us there," Draco worriedly replied.

Harry couldn't help himself, he snorted. That had only been his father's way of telling him that he shouldn't get lost in this massive castle, but the History classroom was on the ground level about two corridors from their current position so how hard would it be to get there?

"And miss the interesting things on the way there?" he asked Draco incredulous. "Not in a million years. But if you're too scared that you might get lost…suit yourself."

With that, Harry stood up and made his way out of the great hall, closely followed by Lucifer. Hel in the meantime lifted into the air and flew back to wherever she decided to stay.

"Wait, I'm coming with you!" Draco exclaimed before he, after emptying his cup, scrambled to get his bag, and walked over to them in a quick pace – but not ran, that would be unbecoming of a pureblood. "I just hope, that you know what you're doing."

"Should I?" Harry asked innocently.

Draco groaned and shook his head but didn't say anything more about it while Lucifer snickered lowly.

Together they slowly walked towards the classroom, looking at paintings, armour and whatever else drew their attention. They reached the classroom at the same time as the other Slytherins and Gryffindors with whom they had the lesson together.

"I'm really interested to see how history lessons will be with Alastair," Harry mused.

"It is Professor Alastair," the brunette from the previous evening admonished him.

"And you are?" Harry asked in a bored tone, he hadn't paid attention to the sorting the previous evening, so he had no idea what her name was.

"Hermione Granger. You're Harry Potter, are you not?" she wanted to know. "I read all about you, you're in The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts as well as several other books."

"Oh great, more invaluable knowledge," Harry retorted. "Listen and listen carefully. You think you know me? You have absolutely no idea who I am or what I am capable of and if you value your life and your sanity…stop annoying me."

Granger gasped in shock, but it was someone else who spoke up.

"You really are going to be the next Dark Lord," the Weasley boy stated, his head again as read as his hair.

"Me the next Dark Lord?" Harry replied with a laughter. "Thank you but no thank you. Too much of a hassle."

"Say what?" Granger inquired.

"Do you have any idea how much work it is to be a Dark Lord? All the paperwork, keeping your minions in line while ensuring that they are happy so that they stay loyal to you, yadda yadda yadda…as I said, too much of a hassle," Harry said with a shrug. "I leave that to those who are stupid enough to want to do it."

Both Granger and Weasley looked at him incredulously while Lucifer smirked in amusement and even Draco had to fight a grin. However, before any of them could say anything further, the door to the classroom opened and Alastair called out for them to come in.

Harry, Draco, and Lucifer sat down in the first row to the left, while Granger dragged a very unwilling Weasley to the front seats on the right.

Just before Alastair could close the door and begin the lesson a grinning and slightly breathless Loki came running in, followed by a nervous Neville.

"Sorry but we got a bit lost," Loki called out.

"Very well, sit down and be quiet," Alastair told him, not believing for one second that Loki had gotten lost though he also didn't want to know what the trickster was up to. Honestly, he found him highly amusing and was looking forward to what he would concoct.

Loki and Neville did as they were told, and Alastair began the lesson with a roll call before he stood up, walked around his desk, and leaned against it. He looked around to make sure, that he had everyone's attention.

"Good, before I start the lesson I'll give you a short overview of what is on the curriculum this year. This year I'll give you a general overview of what happened throughout history, beginning with the founding of Hogwarts until recent events," he explained when Granger's hand shot into the air. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"

"Sir, what about the things that happened before Hogwarts was founded?" she asked.

"Had you let me finish, you would have known that this is part of the fifth-year curriculum," Alastair replied slightly irritated upon which Granger blushed and looked down at her table. "Anyway, before I was interrupted I wanted to tell you that in second to fourth year then a more detailed recollection of the historical events would follow. In fifth year then we will look into what happened before Hogwarts was founded and should you opt to continue History of Magic in your sixth and seventh year, you'll learn about the history of other races as well as more about magic in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Asia. Any questions?"

Unsurprisingly, Grangers hand shot into the air the second Alastair spoke the last word.

"Yes, Ms. Ganger?" he asked reluctantly, rightfully fearing for some other inane question.

"Why haven't you assigned any books to your course, Sir?" the girl asked.

"That is because none of the books suit my needs, hence why you should pay close attention and take notes, or you'll have to look up everything that came up for the tests that will be done throughout the school year," he patiently explained.

Again, Grangers hand was in the air before Alastair even finished. He only rose his eyebrow at the girl, which she took as her cue.

"Tests? As in multiple tests, Sir?"

"Yes, unlike the other professors, I'm not a supporter of testing you only once to determine your grade. Some of those tests will be announced beforehand while others won't, but all will go into your final grade. Therefore, I can only emphasise how important it is to take notes."

"Tests and homework?" Weasley groaned.

"For that comment you'll write me a one-foot long summary of today's topic, the founding of Hogwarts, added to the normal homework, Mr. Weasley," Alastair ordered him with a shark like smile, earning himself an even deeper groan from the boy and some muttering about unfair treatment. "Shall I make it two feet, or do you prefer to lose house-points? Mr Potter, one foot for you too."

Harry, who had been trying to hide his amusement – quite unsuccessfully at that – saluted loosely. "Sir, yes Sir!" he exclaimed.

Alastair looked at him amused but didn't say anything. Instead he began his lecture about the beginnings of Hogwarts.

After History they had Herbology again – oh surprise – together with Gryffindor. The entire way to the greenhouses, Weasley complained about how he had to write an additional text next to the homework they got while Granger repeatedly told him that he shouldn't have complained then.

Granger, when she was not admonishing Weasley for receiving extra work, raved about the history lesson and what they learned, repeating nearly everything Alastair taught them in the process.

It became quickly obvious to Harry that he should be glad that he wasn't in the same house as the girl as she would become a nuisance quite quickly.

Even Lucifer looked at her in barely hidden disdain. He didn't have anything against people with knowledge but people who just repeated what others or books said were stupid in his opinion. Sure, they had the knowledge, but they had absolutely no idea how to apply it in life properly.

"Stupid book-smarts. They think that they're so intelligent but in reality, they just adopt to the opinions of others," he growled. "They don't think for themselves."

Harry smiled while Draco chuckled lowly.

"And why do they have to always rub their knowledge under everybody's nose?" he now practically wined.

Harry looked at Lucifer in surprise over his tone but didn't say anything about it, which in turn made Lucifer suspicious, well more suspicious than he already was, something was off with Harry. Ever since this morning Harry behaved differently, meeker…more subdued. He had no idea to why Harry behaved as he did, but he was determined to find out. However, this would have to wait until after Herbology because right at that moment Sprout opened the door to Greenhouse No. 1 and called them in.

Herbology all in all was an easy lesson. Again, and not to the surprise of anyone, Granger thought that it was prudent to show off her knowledge. It was the boy that arrived late together with Loki to the History lesson that surprised Lucifer though, he showed a real talent when it came to handling plants. The only thing was that he was quite shy and tried not to stand out too much. He would have to watch him and maybe he could help him, he loved plants himself after all.

Draco on the other hand was constantly muttering that he was getting dirty and that something like digging in the dirt was above him. It went on until Harry – very happily – threw a handful of earth at him and covered his hair with it. Lucifer found the indignant look Draco sported very amusing though the boy was less than please with it, but it did stop him complaining.

Afterwards, the lesson went on without any further disturbance. They repotted the plants as they were supposed to and once they were done they cleaned themselves with a few well-placed cleaning charms.

"Draco, could you go ahead and save us a place at lunch?" Lucifer asked the blond boy on their way back to the castle. "Harry and I will follow shortly."

Draco looked a bit surprised and confused at Lucifer but nodded.

"Sure, why not."

Lucifer watched Draco walking up the path and entering Hogwarts before he set into motion himself and once he entered the castle himself, closely followed by Harry. Inside he looked around to find a secluded spot. When he saw a hidden alcove, he walked over to it and threw up a few privacy spells for good measurement.

"Is something wrong?" Harry asked confused when Lucifer was done.

Would he be honest, he would have to admit that he was more than worried by Lucifer's behaviour. He wondered whether he had done something to insult the angel again but came up blank. Harry had no idea what he could have done wrong to evoke such a behaviour from Lucifer.

"This is what I wanted to ask you," Lucifer replied in a stern tone. "Ever since this morning you're behaving strangely towards me, like a meek little puppy."

Harry looked at him for a long moment before he slumped against the wall of the alcove, an air of defeat suddenly surrounding him.

"You don't like it," he muttered, looking at the floor not wanting to meet Lucifer's gaze.

"Don't like what?" Lucifer asked for clarification, he had an inkling about why Harry was behaving the way he did but he needed confirmation.

"I thought that after everything you did for me, everything you gave me...I thought that I should be nicer to you, you know...less sarcastic," he said, still not meeting Lucifer's eyes.

Lucifer though could do nothing other than staring at Harry. A feeling was spreading through him that he couldn't and right now didn't want to name but it made him feel good. No, more than good, he felt great. Harry did this for him?!

But then he realized what it really meant and it left a sour taste in his mouth. Lucifer certainly did not want Harry to change, not for anything in the world. He loved Harry as he was, sarcastic barbs and all. Hell, he couldn't even say no when the boy asked something from him.

Wait, where did that thought come from? He loved Harry? Though the longer he thought about it the truer it rang. He knew that he didn't want to miss Harry for one second. The boy brought life, purpose and more importantly diversity into his life. At no point in time he had felt more alive than since Harry came into it and should he suddenly vanish from his life...he somehow didn't doubt that the world would burn. He could only hope that this didn't turn him into one of those sappy lovesick fools that made idiots out of themselves.

For now, he was happy simply being with Harry though because the boy was still far too young to start anything more but he certainly wanted him to stop his stupid – even if well-meant – act and return to be the boy he would do anything for.

"Oh Harry, my dear sweet Harry," he said while cupping Harry's cheek with his hand and forcing him to look at him, which Harry reluctantly did. "Don't be mistaken, I appreciate the thought behind it but no, I don't like it. This isn't you!

"You're a feisty boy with a sarcastic quip on his lips whenever he feels like it and who doesn't cower before anyone. You say what you think and this is what I like most about you. If I wanted some meek idiot who is too frightened of me to speak up I could take some random demon. But this isn't what I want. I want you, the real you so please promise me one thing. Never ever under any circumstances change how you are. Not for Alastair, not for your Parents and most definitely not for me!"

Harry openly gaped at Lucifer in surprise and shock. He had thought that Lucifer despised his cheekiness because he always seemed to be so disgruntled about it so it came to quite a shock that he liked it, wanted it even. But why would he want it if he acted so miffed about it?

"But it seems to upset you when I give you a sarcastic remark about something," he finally told Lucifer.

Lucifer chuckled lowly before he leaned forwards so that he could whisper right into Harry's ear.

"Even if I act as if I'm disgruntled about it, I love you just as you are," he whispered softly.

When he leaned back again he could see that Harry heavily blushed because of admittance.

Harry though didn't know what to think anymore. Had Lucifer really just told him that he loved him? That he loved HIM?! Deep down he knew that it was true but that Lucifer didn't mean it the same way as his parents did when they told him that they loved him and it left him light-headed and with a warm feeling. He himself loved Lucifer ever since the angel saved him. At first it was simply because Lucifer was the first to care for him and especially saving him from his relatives but later it morphed into the love for a good friend.

But was he ready for this? For more? The answer was a resounding no.

Hell, he was officially eleven – technically twelve because of his stay in hell – and alone the thought of taking their relationship to the next level made his stomach churn. Yes, he knew exactly what this would entail – a little side effect of having stayed in hell, demons just had no decency in that regard – and even this little step was, right now, a step too much for him.

Lucifer, who saw Harry's conflict, smiled gently.

"Harry, do you trust me?" he asked softly and received a nod. "Then trust me that I'd never do anything you're not ready for. I couldn't forgive myself if I ever did anything to jeopardize your trust in me."

Lucifer had to supress a groan. Did he really just say that? Great, he was really turning into one of those sappy fools.

Harry on the other hand didn't worry about how sappy Lucifer sounded and just hugged him.

"Lucifer, I cannot tell you just how much I loved you ever since I first met you and you decided to stay with me. Everything you did for me, everything you're still doing for me...," he told him in a low voice, burying his face in the other's neck.

Right at that moment, Lucifer realized that, for now, this was enough. For now, he didn't need more than Harry being with him, trusting him. For now, he would be exactly what Harry needed, a good friend and someone he could confide in.

"Are you quite done? This is getting extremely uncomfortable and if one of you is going to cry, please warn me beforehand so that I can reach a safe distance priorly," Teanna suddenly hissed from under Harry's collar.

Harry leaned back and looked at Lucifer before both broke out in laughter.

"Leave it to your snake to find just the right moment for a sarcastic barb," Lucifer said with a chuckle, stroking the snake's head.

"This is why we make such a good team, don't you think so too, Teanna?" he said the last part in parseltongue upon which the snake nodded in agreement.

"Two against one? Don't you think that a bit unfair?" Lucifer huffed.

"Why? It is only cheating if the enemy does the damage," Harry laughed and twisted out of Lucifer's hold before pulling him out of the alcove and towards the great hall.

As much as he wanted to just be alone with Lucifer, his stomach had other plans which it made loudly known. Lucifer chuckled lowly but gladly followed Harry since he himself was quite hungry by now. So, they joined Draco, who looked at them curiously, at the Slytherin table.

"What happened? You're practically glowing, Harry," he carefully asked.

"Let's just say that Lucifer told me that I was an idiot," Harry replied.

"And that makes you happy?" Draco questioned in disbelieve.

That made Harry laugh. "No, it's just that my life couldn't get any better, that is why I'm happy."

A/N: 'til next chapter (that hopefully won't take another year)!