The Devil as a Father Chapter 9

Lucifer woke up and found himself in the middle of a puppy pile. Not the same kind of puppy pile he had woken up in for years. Then it was satiated bodies of people who had their lusts fulfilled. Now it was Chloe and wait. He was monogamous now. Amazing how much energy fathering took up. Well fathering and grand jury investigations and kidnappings and attempted murders of in-laws. There should only be Chloe in bed with him.

He cracked an eye open and noted there were more than bodies, there were wings in his bed. Not his wings, either. Feeling a bit territorial, he now opened both eyes. Amenadiel was laying at the edge of the bed, fully clothed (thank Dad), with one wing protectively over all of them. Chloe was by his side, snuggling him. Harry and Trixie were in his arms. What the – Dan was in bed, at the end of the bed, also fully clothed, thank Dad, one hand touching his foot with a protective stance to the man he'd only seen when Dan thought Trixie was in danger. Careful not to wake anyone, he turned his head. Maze was there, curled up and snoring with one of her knives held in one hand, ready. And next to her was another set of wings, new baby sister Kynerath was sleeping peacefully, wings out around Maze. Maze would be so embarrassed.

"Hmm," he muttered. Harry's eyes opened, "You had a really bad dream. Dan could hear you downstairs and this floor is soundproofed. We all held you till you felt better." Harry snuggled, relaxed in his father's arms, and fell asleep again.

Lucifer looked at his wonderful son and felt tears in his eyes. They were sleeping with him because they cared about him. They were, in their various ways, protecting him. A tear dripped down his cheek. He really was loved. He lay there and basked in it in the wee small hours of the morning. Loved. Actually loved. He almost fell asleep when he remembered his dream. He, Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil, was hosting a Thanksgiving feast at the Lux for all his employees, many of his regulars at the club, Chloe's co-workers who were not in jail, Chloe and Dan's relatives, some of the teachers from Harry and Trixie's school, Mrs. Edwards and he had 47 turkeys and 20 rented professional ovens to cook them in and would probably be expected to say grace. What a nightmare!

Then he sat straight up in the bed. It was real. It was Thanksgiving morning. He had to go set up the turkeys right now.

He popped himself magically to the commercial kitchen, and started working on the turkeys that filled several commercial walk-in refrigerators. Lucky for him he had purchased the building. The club couldn't have held all this. He had a whole floor set up for the actual feast.

He could do this. He was the Devil and had invented magic. He had 47 turkeys prepped, and started the ovens. He decided to make stuffing on top of the stove because many people feared food poisoning from the stuffing cooking inside the turkey. He prepped everything for five different types of stuffing. Then he used magic to peel potatoes for the mashed potatoes and soon the prepped potatoes were sitting on burners waiting for later. He had butter rubbed most of the turkeys and was cooking them upside down at first to keep them moist. He basted the remaining birds with white wine. He was going to use white wine in the gravy too.

Then he got a phone call from Nicholas in Security. "There's a man here who wants to see Harry. He's got a British accent and is dressed rather shabbily. What should I do?"

"I'll be right there." he said.

The man waiting with Nicholas did indeed look old and shabby. He was definitely magical and had a strange feel to him. Lucifer stared at him and then growled. "You're a werewolf."

The man stiffened. Lucifer shook hands with him and the man looked surprised. "First of all, I have no problem with werewolves. Second, I'm Lucifer Morningstar, creator of magic and Harry's adoptive father. I hope you aren't going to try to remove him from my custody."

The man gulped. "My name is Remus Lupin. I'm a friend of Harry's family from before. Professor Dumbledore sent me away and wouldn't let me visit Harry. He had me under various spells to trust him implicitly and follow orders. They just wore off recently, thanks to you, and I wanted to ask if I could meet Harry." The man shuffled, "I realize this is sudden, but this was the soonest I could get the money up to portkey here. I can come back at another time, if you're busy."

Lucifer smiled. "I know you have had a hard time with magic, but would you mind looking into my eyes so I can check you for evil intent or more magical spells."

The man smiled, "You saved Harry. You freed us from two manipulative dictators. I will trust you."

Lucifer stared into his eyes. Nicholas watched this with interest. His bosses' eyes turned red and the man just stared at him, sadly.

Lucifer nodded. "We have a friend who is a seer who said you might be coming here and that you need a pack. I see great loyalty and honor in you. Welcome to the House of Morningstar".

He turned to Nicholas. "He's never killed anyone. He has certain security requirements during full moons. We have a special facility in the basement that will do nicely for everyone during those nights."

Then he heard little footsteps behind him. He turned. Harry was looking at the man curiously. Then recognition lit his eyes. "MOONEY!" he cried.

The man smiled at him. Then Harry frowned.

"Why didn't you try to find me?" he asked. Lucifer touched his son's shoulder. "He was put under several very strong spells by Dumbledore, so that he wouldn't ever get to see you."

Harry smiled, satisfied and hugged his Dad. Then he held out a hand rather shyly and said, "Hi."

The werewolf smiled at him and shook his hands. Lucifer could see he was fighting tears.

Harry smiled. "When you and Nick are done, I'm making butter horn rolls. A whole lot of butter horn rolls. Want to help?"

"I'd be delighted," said Remus softly.

Nick took him to the basement discussing schedules and whether he liked basement apartments or not.

Harry looked at him. "I'm glad he's here but just remember I love you best. No one can compete with my Dad."

Then he stalked off to the kitchen for the Luxe, where he had to make 400 rolls. He was using a lot of math for this, and planned on handing in a special report for extra credit. He had huge mixers and already had everything measured out for that. He heated the milk to temperature and started a 3 dozen roll batch because he didn't know how to properly convert it for large quantities. He knew there was a formula somewhere, but he didn't want to ruin the rolls.

So he made batches of 3 dozen at a time until the kitchen was filled with pizza pans and cookie sheets filled with butter horn rolls brushed with butter, twice raised and ready to bake.

Mooney shyly presented himself, put on an apron and helped him ready the commercial ovens. Harry showed him how to wash dishes with magic his way, while Mooney showed him how he washed dishes his way.

Mom and Trixie were making olive trays and bringing them into the dining area, which had a walk in cooler for the things that needed to stay cool. Dad was on the next floor fighting it out with 47 turkeys.

Harry and Mooney peeked in. "Wow this smells good," said Harry.

"What holiday was this again?" asked Mooney, also sniffing appreciatively.

"Thanksgiving," said Harry, "it's a day to celebrate family."

Mooney looked entranced. "I haven't had a family in awhile. Your father is really kind to take me in so easily."

"He looked at your soul," said Harry. "He didn't judge you or anything. Dad doesn't do that, but he checked to see if you were strong enough to be a friend, and if you wanted what's best for me."

The werewolf blushed. "I was afraid, but I felt I owed it to you for failing so badly."

"You trusted a bad man and he took advantage of you," said Harry flatly, "Now you are free and you need a pack. We'll be your pack. Of course, you get to decide too. We're getting bigger and bigger as a family and you might not want to be part of us, but Dad wants you to have a chance to heal up before you decide your next step."

They spent a good hour with Dad setting up the buffet in the dining area. They had magnificent turkeys all in a row, different stuffings, different gravies, mashed potatoes, and veggie platters.

Dad had all the food in warmers. The other side of the room had a buffet of all sorts of drinks. Guests were beginning to arrive and gush over how pretty the room was. Ladies from the police station and the dancers from the club brought deserts and set them out. The security team brought various types of pop and set them up next to the icemaker.

Mrs. Edwards walked in with the biggest plate of chocolate brownies he'd ever seen.

And Harry used magic to pop all his rolls in the ovens in the Lux wandlessly and without being there. This would be another extra credit with his magic tutor. He smiled and then ran to help Mrs. Edwards.

What with living upstairs from a big nightclub, Harry was used to crowds, but this was different. He knew or knew of everyone here, from the exotic dancers and bartenders to the people from the precinct who were suspended without pay because they didn't have a union. Some lived in the building. Some were keeping their heads above water because his Dad had given them credit cards to use until they went back to work. Some were people who were regulars from the club, and that included groupies who would drool at Dad all the time.

Everyone was serving themselves and Harry brought in his rolls, which added to the nice smell in the room. He was pleased.

Dad was dressed up as usual, and Mom was dressed up as was not usual, and Trixie was running from person to person. Maze had filled her plate with Mrs. Edward's brownies. Amenadiel was looking around him with wonder.

Lucifer watched over all of this with a happy smile. Harry sat down with his Dad and noticed everyone was staring at him.

Lucifer noticed it too. "Am I missing something?" he asked his wife.

"I think they are waiting for you to say grace."

"EEEEEK!" said Dad and got a twitch in one eyebrow and Harry sniggered. Then Mom stood up. "While some people say grace, we have a different tradition in the Morningstar family. We say what we are thankful for this year. So I'll start and we'll run around the tables." She looked around, "I'm happy to have a wonderful family, and for my heart's true love, Lucifer." She sat down, and Trixie stood up, "I'm happy we saved my Dad's life and that he's okay."

Harry stood up and looked around, "I'm happy that I'm loved, and that I didn't burn the rolls." People laughed and grinned over that.

They went around the room, people already eating, but paying attention to each other. Each person would stand up. Harry brought them a wireless microphone because this was the LUX and Dad was prepared to burst into song at literally any moment. Conversations were started, some of the traffic cops made friends with the dancers.

Harry went and sat down next to Mom and grinned at every one. Then he began to eat. The turkey was yummy. The mashed potatoes and gravy was hot and the gravy had something in it that enhanced the flavor and made Harry's tummy happy. He looked over at Dad who was eating one of his rolls. "What did you put in the gravy?" he hissed.

Dad looked proud, "White wine. It brings out the flavor of the turkey."

Harry realized he liked magic and learning, but he really liked working in the kitchen and helping Dad there. "We should start serving food here. This is wonderful."

Dad looked thoughtful. Mom piped up, "We have the room now, but we have to be careful about actually sleeping EVERY night."

Lucifer and Harry looked at each other, and they both nodded rigorously. Dad might be the devil but one did not piss off Mom.

Down the table, Dan Espinoza stood up. "I'm Dan Espinoza and I'm happy that Lucifer, Amenadiel, Harry and Lucifer's baby sister saved my life, but most of all I'm happy to be here with all them." People clapped vigorously and then tucked in.

The grandmother who was raising her grandchild stood up, "Because of Lucifer my grandkids have enough to eat this month and I'm not worried about paying bills." A bunch of kids sitting with her burst into noisy applause.

Harry buttered his roll and took a bite. It was yummy. He finished off his turkey. He'd put a spell on the rolls to make them keep their just out-of-the oven warmth. He ate an olive. He took a bite of roll. He thought of how hungry he had been most of his life, and how wonderful it was to have enough to eat and to feed all these people.

"Dad," he shouted, "I think I want to have a restaurant when I grow up,"

Trixie clapped excitedly and hissed, "Chocolate cake"

Amenadiel stood up, "I'm thankful for having a wonderful brother, and being part of his family."

Lucifer choked on a roll, and Mum pounded on his back. Harry grinned and ate a piece of celery with crème cheese in it.

Kynerath stood up, "I'm KynKyn and I'm thankful for my big brother and demons." Maze started to hoot and laugh. Lucifer coughed again and then drank a whole glass of wine, while Chloe giggled.

Everyone cheered even though only a low percentage of the people there knew what she was talking about. The Lux staff stomped feet and cheered though. Maze looked even more pleased.

Some of the things people were thankful for were funny. Ella was thankful for some kind of new microscope. Dr. Martin was grateful for knowing the truth. One of the dancers was grateful for bag balm.

Then they got to Mrs. Edwards who was sitting next to Patrick the bar tender. He helped her stand up.

"I'm Mrs. Edwards. I'm thankful for new friends and family." She frowned and then said, "Everyone, hide under the tables except for our two angels."

Everyone stopped and stared at her. "Now," she hollered.

"DO IT," yelled Lucifer. Everyone did. Amenadiel and Kynerath stood and waited. The doors shook and then burst open. A single man stood there. He looked like hell. His clothing was in rags and he held a wand in his hands. His eyes were the eyes of a mad man.

He raised his wand, "I demand that you surrender Harry Potter, now."

Then Kynerath flew over the table and grabbed his wand, while Amenadiel stopped time, raced forward and put the distraught man in a head lock.

They drug him out of the room. Time restarted. Lucifer yelled, "Okay, back to eating".

Everyone got out from under the table and looked around. They had heard the man, but didn't understand what was going on. Some smiled. Maze stood up and the entire security team stood with her. Mrs. Edwards stood up, Lucifer stood up. Harry tried to stand up but his Dad gave him a look that froze him in his tracks.

"Only a stray insane person. We're taking care of it." he announced. It was Los Angeles so everyone went back to eating.

Patrick and his team and Mrs. Edwards followed Maze. Lucifer kissed Chloe and said, "I'll report back," and left too.

Harry felt upset and found his Mum next to him. She hugged him and drug him and his plate over to her seat with Lucifer. "Enjoy your food." she said and smiled at him.

"Was that my crazy godfather?"

"Yeah, I wouldn't bet against it." said Mum softly.

Harry looked down at the mashed potatoes and decided that crazy godfathers were not going to ruin good mashed potatoes and gravy. He took a forkful and felt his Mum's arm go around his shoulder. "Dad will be back soon," said Chloe. "I wouldn't put it past him to freeze the man solid or turn him into a salamander until we are ready to talk to him."

Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry

Lucifer stood in a basement room that looked a lot like a dungeon. It was Maze's playroom to remind her of home, but no one mentioned that to the strange man who was struggling very hard. He didn't seem to be afraid of knives, so Maze had tied him up.

Lucifer gazed at the man sadly, "I was ready to be very angry, but I see you have been driven to madness and it will take healing, much healing to reverse."

There as a tap on the door. Patrick opened it and Remus walked in. "That is Sirius Black. He betrayed Harry's family and caused their deaths. He was my best friend."

The man didn't even notice him.

Lucifer was about to ask how the man had got here, when Mrs. Edwards walked up to him. "Mr. Lupin; your friend didn't betray you or the Potters. They were betrayed by a rat named Peter. Dumbledore knew he was innocent but wanted his influence out of Harry's life, so he arranged for him to stay incarcerated, much like he arranged to bespell you. Fear not, my boy, he's in good hands. You both will find healing in the House of Morningstar."

"Mrs Edwards," Amenadiel asked respectfully, "How will that come about?"

"Why with the wings of an angel," she said. You and your sister will reveal your wings to him once a day for 7 days. In the meantime he shall stay incarcerated here and fed up. He's starving to death."

Lucifer was delighted with the elderly woman. "My Dear, this will help so much. He won't try to steal Harry again will he?"

Maze said, "Not on my watch."

Remus raised his voice, "Padfoot?"

The madman stopped raving.

"Mooney?" he asked.

"Yes. I know the truth. Harry is safe."

"He stole Harry," accused the madman.

"He rescued Harry. He'd be dead now if it weren't for this man. Dumbledore betrayed us in the name of the greater good."

Padfoot shut up.

Mooney turned to Maze, "Ma'am," he bowed, "You should know even without a wand he can turn into a large black dog, similar I'm told to a hellhound."

"Sweet," said Maze.

Lucifer looked interested, "Maze, this is brilliant, we should get Harry a hellhound for a pet."

Maze looked excited. "Perfect. Maybe one of the pack that guarded you."

Lucifer nodded, "Only thing in hell worth missing."

The madman was much quieter now, "Mr. Black," said Lucifer, "You interrupted a rare family gathering and almost spoiled the day for Harry. I'd appreciate it if you would cooperate in letting us arrange for food, healing," hereupon he sniffed the air delicately, "and a bath."

Sirius Black nodded, "I will give you a chance to prove you can be trusted. I swear by my magic to protect Harry with my life, magic and blood."

"That sounds sweet, but you didn't swear to not attack the other members of Harry's family," remarked Lucifer. He snapped his fingers and a large dog stood before them. He snapped his fingers again and the dog was clean. He nodded now and a large bowl of what looked to be part of the feast upstairs appeared and another of clean water.

"You cannot change back or do magic right now, Mr. Black. You have, after all, been a very naughty boy. But I understand you did this for love of Harry, whom I love as well. Eat and sleep. We will speak later when you have properly rested."

Sirius Black, aka Padfoot, was put into the cage with the food and a large dog bed. He ate the wonderful food and then slept. The man who claimed to be the devil and the woman who claimed to be a demon were not evil. He felt safe in their custody. He didn't know why, but the madness that infected him led him to trust in that which his magic and deepest self also trusted. So, still insane, he trusted, and slept well for the first time in years.