The Devil as a Father Chapter 15
That night, Lucifer and Chloe crept up to the door of Harry's room and tapped on the door to say goodnight. Harry was snuggled in bed with Aradia in his arms. "Goodnight Dad, I love Aradia. Thank you for bringing her to live with us."
The hell-hound looked up, "He wants me to sleep with him, is that alright?" she mind-spoke.
Chloe started and then smiled. She had understood! "Aradia, it's wonderful to have you sleep with Harry. Let me know your needs and Daddy Lucifer and I will provide whatever makes you comfortable and well."
Lucifer looked at his wife with pride, and then they both tucked Harry and Aradia into bed. "What is this?" asked the small Hell-hound shyly. Chloe tried mind-speaking back to her, "Can you hear me darling?"
Aradia's tail started to wag, "Yes, I can hear you mistress."
"This is sort of a nightly ritual where we make sure our children know we love them, where we check on them at the end of the day and we wish them pleasant dreams. It's called tucking them into bed."
"But you kissed me too?" asked Aradia.
"How can help but not love you for coming to protect my darling son?" was Chloe's reply and she began to rub Aradia's head and then her belly and then kissed the Hell-hound on her snout. Harry giggled as Aradia sighed with contentment and nestled at his side.
"I love you, Dad, I love you, Mum, I love you Aradia," he whispered and fell asleep.
Lucifer and Chloe returned to their room having already tucked in Trixie and Goldie, and Lucifer lay silencing spells and wards on the bedroom opening.
"And now my Darling," he whispered, "Let me tuck you into bed." He waggled his eyebrows and gave her the grin she loved so well. Most of the house of Morningstar slept well that night, some just fell asleep much later.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry.
Lucifer found that money really helps when dealing with large entertainment parks. He arranged to stay at a Disney Hotel, arranged travel from the hotel to the park, and left the date open so he could make sure his family was happy about the date visits. Then he wondered if he would be required to wear a Mickey Mouse Hat. It was a horror he was willing to brave for his loved ones.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
The next day Lucifer took Aradia to the animal services department and let her go through testing to determine her level of competency for dog companions/service animals. She amazed the people there and Lucifer was proud of her for not biting the man who pinched her back leg in a sensitive place to test if she was gentle. The man surprised Aradia by then petting her very kindly and begging forgiveness, explaining to the little dog that some dogs were very bad tempered and bit people and this was part of the test process, but he hated pinching such a nice little girl. Aradia forgave him.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
Trixie was on a mission. She had Goldie with her at school, sitting in the breast pocket of the Prada suit that Dad had got her. She didn't wear it often, but today, she wanted Goldie with her and it was the best pocket, and the closest to Goldie's size, because she didn't want her friend to feel uncomfortable.
Goldie had learned to fly very quickly, and to transport herself instantly to any place she wanted to be. It was an instinct of her species. Goldie would pop out of her pocket back home for water and snacks when she wanted and no one could tell. She would pop back in and snuggle next to her bonded human.
Trixie was having problems with her teacher, Mr. Houston, the one who had been so rude to Harry when Dad was in danger. Mom had complained to the principal about how he treated Harry and he was taking it out on Trixie, so she wanted to have her friend with her. He made her uncomfortable because he seemed like a bully, although he claimed to merely be strict.
Goldie was aware there was a human who was mean to Trixie and that the human held status in Trixie's flock of humans. So the little dragon listened carefully.
Since the day they had recognized her Daddy, Mr. Houston asked her questions in a particularly snotty way. Today he commented that her outfit was too expensive for school and that he would inform her parents she was wearing special nice stuff to class and a bad girl. Trixie was not amused. Goldie started in with a slow burn.
"I suppose your step father brought this inappropriate outfit for you," he said, "Your policeman father could never afford it on his salary."
Trixie looked up and answered him fiercely, "Then I'm lucky that I have 2 daddies that love me, aren't I?"
This caught Mr. Houston off balance. Trixie had been silent before this.
"Are sassing me, young Lady?" he asked in his coldest voice.
"No," she replied, her head straight up and her eyes staring into his.
"I think you were, so you're staying late tonight in detention."
Now this was too much. If she was given detention, she was supposed to go the principal's office, not stay late. Her mom would be worried. "Do I have permission to tell my Mom I have to stay late?" she asked.
"No," said Mr. Houston quite sharply. He wanted to punish the whole family for giving him a hard time. He liked being a teacher, but he demanded respect at all times. He felt both Harry and Trixie deserved to be spanked on a regular basis and he wished he could take on the task. He knew nothing about Harry, but he knew their stepfather was very rich and since he had been poor as a child, he resented someone who was openly wealthy.
Goldie sat hiding in Trixie's pocket and felt the man's angry emotions and ill will. If he touched her Trixie she was going to flame him but good.
When school was done, Trixie wasn't waiting for Harry. He looked for her. Then one of her classmates came up and said she was in Mr. Houston's room under detention.
Harry knew Mum had only complained about Mr. Houston and hadn't talked to him like she wanted. He immediately felt that something was up. Mr. Houston had the reputation of being strict and some people said worse than that. Harry got out his phone and then shrugged, why text when you could mentally call Mum and Dad. "Dad," he said, "Trixie is being kept after school by Mr. Houston. I'm going to his room to check on her."
Lucifer was at the animal services just getting his certification for Aradia. She was sitting on the counter doing tricks for the receptionist because she liked the way the lady would make squealing noises over how cute she was.
Lucifer took the information and certificate and then picked up Aradia. "Thank you for your excellent service and kindness. Have a wonderful day,"
Then he got a funny look on his face, and raced out the door, with Aradia held in his arms.
Once outside, he ducked into the alley and popped to the school. That Mr. Houston was an utter ass and he was going to let him know.
Trixie sat in Mr. Houston's room with her hands folded on her desk top.
He was sitting at his desk and ignoring her.
"Mr. Houston," she said, "If I don't tell my Mom I'm here she's going to get upset." she said.
"That's your problem," Mr. Houston sniffed, "I told the principal's office that you are here. That's all I am required to do."
Trixie felt angry, "You are not supposed to put kids my age in detention without sending them to the principal's office first. That's a school rule."
"Who do you think you are?" he shouted suddenly, "You're just a naughty child that deserves a spanking."
Trixie stared at him in horror as he advanced on her, "You think you are so much better than anyone, you rotten brat," he yelled as he reached forward to give this child what she so richly deserved.
Then several things happened simultaneously.
First a golden tiny dragon burst out of Trixie's jacket and shot flames at him that burned his hands. Then a small Chihuahua burst into the room from somewhere and began to grow to the size of a small black pony. It turned red eyes on him and growled menacingly and began to chase him around the room. Finally and most horribly for Mr. Houston, was Lucifer Morningstar and Harry both raced in the room. He looked at them and realized that Morningstar's eyes were red as hell fire.
He screamed, as he realized that he wasn't the biggest thing in the room. Then he fainted.
Goldie bugled her victory over the bad human. Aradia stopped chasing the potential enemy and changed back into an adorable Chihuahua. Lucifer stood over the man and decided making one of Trixie's teacher insane wasn't a good idea and hoped that Chloe wouldn't be angry with him.
Then to all's surprise, Chloe popped into the room. "It worked!" she said with pleasure at her first successful 'pop' and then she stared at Mr. Houston. "Did you devil this man?" she asked her husband, "Um, my eyes might have gotten a little red, but that's all dear," he said, "He was going to spank Trixie."
"Oh he was, was he? That's against school rules." Chloe went and got some water and patted the dratted man's face till he came to.
He sat up abruptly and then huddled in fear, "You really are devils," he whispered.
"You are a big bully," observed Chloe, "and we're going together to the principal's office to see why you broke the disciplinary protocols of not just the school, but the whole district.
He shook and trembled but seemed to draw himself up. "I never touched her," he claimed.
"You were going to," said Trixie flatly, and from her pocket a small golden dragon roared.
"I don't think you're telling me the truth, Mr. Houston. I think you have a problem with my family and you're mad because I complained about you. Let's discuss this with the principal."
"I'll tell her what happened," he stuttered.
"That will make you look like a loon," observed Chloe.
Harry stared at him. "So is it true that you pinch people so hard they welt up where you can't see it?"
The man stared at him, nonplussed by all this truthfulness.
"Oh please do tell the truth," said Lucifer, "I do so hate liars."
"They all get away with murder," said Mr. Houston.
"Well, now you won't," said Chloe.
They escorted the nervous man to the principal, who wasn't happy at all when she found out that he had held Trixie after class.
"You know the rules, Houston," she said angrily, "You were alone with a little girl, and her parents didn't know about it or approve. You're suspended for one week, and then we'll have to bring it up to the board."
Houston was apparently too rattled to think logically. "They're some kind of aliens or demons," he said, "She has a dragon in her vest pocket," he accused pointing at Trixie. Goldie immediately vanished back home, and Trixie calmly showed the inside of her vest.
"Mr. Houston said I deserved a spanking," Trixie announced.
"Oh he did?" said the Principal. The principal had, of course, heard the rumors and was unimpressed with her teacher and starting to worry about his probable sanity.
It was a bad day for the Principal, and Mr. Houston and the Morningstars all went home to the sound of the Principal scolding the man like a small child.
Trixie dragged her feet as they entered the townhouse. "I screwed up, didn't I, Mom?" she said
"Oh yeah," said Chloe. "You should always tell us when a teacher does anything unsuitable or scary to you. Let us handle it as a team."
"Yes," said Lucifer, very thoughtfully, "I always did things on my own, and I've learned that telling your mother and asking for help is very useful and the best strategy."
Aradia, who was being held by the King of Hell, wiggled and Lucifer let her down.
"Did I do wrong, Master?" she asked him.
"We all jumped the gun a bit." Said Lucifer, "With all the violence lately, I was more prepared for a mass-murderer or a magical death-eater than a bully. I hope I didn't damage him permanently."
"He was disobeying strict protocols. He needed someone to take the situation in hand," said Chloe and she sat on the floor and began to cuddle Aradia. "Trixie, I think having a teacher scare you so badly that Goldie and Aradia both felt they had to protect you is enough punishment and excitement. Please remember that we love you and that you can bring these situations to us. Okay?"
Trixie sat next to her Mom on the floor and leaned against her as she cuddled Aradia. "I'm sorry, Mom. I was trying to be a hero like Harry, but I guess I'm not."
Harry plopped down next to his sister, "Trixie, you're my hero. You stood up for me at the beginning when I was so scared in school. You are a brave wonderful sister and we all love you."
Trixie looked at him and then slowly began to smile. "Really and for true?" she asked
"Yup!" said Harry with a pop of the 'p' sound. "You are also the best sister in the world."
Lucifer sat on the floor and began to scratch Aradia behind the ears, her favorite spot. He looked at his precious family and said, "As far as I'm concerned, darlings, you are all my hero's. I was a very lonely devil before I found my Harry and Chloe and Trixie accepted me. You have given more than I ever dreamed possible."
He hugged Trixie, taking her into his arms like she was the most precious thing in the world. He was still a hedonist at heart, but now the pleasure he sought was his family's pleasure and happiness. It was far more glorious than anything he had experienced before and gave him great joy.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
The next Saturday, Harry and his parents took him to the Goblin Bank, Gringotts. There they were greet like celebrities instead of with scorn. The guards walked up and shook hands merrily, and a teller came to welcome them and then walked them into the back, chatting away in his native language happy.
One of the magic folk in line asked who those people were to his teller. The teller gave him a jaundiced look, "Friends and Allies of the Goblin Nation," he said shortly. Lucifer looked back and gave the teller an approving smile.
Harry saw it, and frowned up at his Dad. Lucifer looked down at him, "It is wise to keep our identities quiet as possible. We don't want magic humans trying to gain control of us. They have already shown a level of incompetency that is laughable." The teller escorting them snorted in amusement and nodded in agreement. "The magical humans here are better, but the ones in England are horrible." he stated.
They were taken to a modern goblin hospital, which was bright and cheerful. The goblins there immediately came to attention, "Lord Lucifer," said one that looked oldest, "We are honored that you trust us with the health of your son. We will serve you well."
He looked at the family and frowned. "Did you know your consort has some kind of magic I have never seen before? So does your adoptive daughter. It appears benign but powerful, like a sheathed sword."
Lucifer looked worried and began to use magic to check his family. "I see what you mean. They glow with inner beauty and part of the aura is a green nurturing color. I never noticed it before."
"Wheee, I have magic," said Trixie. "Well don't try anything until you check it out with your dad or me." said Chloe very sternly. "I don't want you getting hurt while experimenting."
Trixie looked like she was already planning hundreds of experiments, and gave an exaggerated sigh, "Well poo."
Harry started to laugh. So it was with amusement that he started the lengthy goblin healing process. He was given a white linen robe to wear and instructed to lay on what looked like a comfortable exam table. All normal medical. Then crystals were put all over his body as several goblins chanted over him; not so normal. "Looks like new age healing crystal malarkey," said Chloe softly, "even though I'm sure it's real."
One of the healers looked up at her and smiled, "Stole the idea from us, Consort Morningstar, it sometimes works for those who have very little magic, children of squibs usually."
Lucifer held onto Chloe and Trixie who watched with wide eyes as a scroll appeared and began to get longer and longer.
"What is that, Daddy?" asked Trixie very softly.
"It's a record of all the illness and injuries he had as a child with the Dursley family," said Lucifer. "It will also show any injuries he still or bindings on his magic."
Trixie's eyes filled with tears, "It's getting really long,"
"Yes," said Lucifer, as they all watched the parchment grow longer and longer.
Harry found he didn't care as much about the scroll, what gripped him was the fury and love in his Mother's face, the red flames in his Dad's eyes and the pain in the set of his mouth, and the tears dripping down Trixie's nose and splatting on the floor. It was all for him, because they loved him that much. Harry tried very hard to memorize those dear faces as proof that he was someone who was really and truly loved. The last of the chains on his heart and the dark voices that whispered in his ears that he was useless and unloved were ripped away, broken by love.
Even the goblins were pissed off. He could see one of the healers looking at the scroll and then back at him and then at the scroll again.
"Who did this to a magical child?" he finally spat angrily.
"Where is Mr. Dursley?" asked Lucifer mildly.
"He's back in England by this time. The crown agreed with all the charges we made against him but wanted him to do time there. Once they saw the medical records we provided, they started an investigation and found degrees of …. well let's just say Dursley won't see the light of day ever."
"Tisk," said Lucifer mildly, but he made a fist and Harry knew he was suffering.
"Dad," he said softly, still keeping still for the goblins doing the procedure, "You punished him. I have you now. I'm happy."
The red flames went away and changed to a warm and kind brown that looked at him so lovingly.
"I love you," said Harry softly.
The goblins watched this power human family and felt the ties of love and loyalty that bound them. They already felt great love for Lucifer, he was their hero, but this also touched them. Family and children meant much to the goblins and seeing Lucifer loving his children so was good and encouraging to the goblins. He won more loyalty and didn't even know it.
They finally sat with the healers, who served them juice and cookies.
The oldest goblin still looked mad. "This child was abused, and I see much was done with no-mag medicine to reverse that, but we can do more and especially to the bones that were broken so many times. You have obviously been very careful and done a miracle of healing with your care. However, Harry's magic has been bound in several ways that are illegal and not good for a child. We suspect it was Dumbledore. However, since the man is dying, there is little we can do against him, although we could bring charges and confiscate his estate for some of the things he has done."
Lucifer sneered, "What an awful man; using innocent children to fight a war. I'm glad we needn't deal with him. What can we do to help Harry with his health and his magic?"
"We want Harry to stay overnight, and during that time we will magically rebuild the bones that have the most damage. The magical interference was vast. His abilities were literally bound. It's almost as if Dumbledore wanted him to be helpless or perhaps it's because Harry is meant to be much stronger than Dumbledore ever was. Whatever his purpose, his magic spells still exist, even though he personally is now a no-mag. We can undo the bindings and when we do, Harry will be much stronger and have abilities that he didn't have before."
Then he goblin healer said, "And some of his language abilities are leaking out. I believe his magic that gives him the ability to speak different languages, including that of beasts, may be spreading to his esteemed mother and sister. It won't hurt them, they already have some kind of magical proclivity, so it will prove a blessing for your family."
"Well," said Chloe, softly, "This is fine with me. I love Aradia and Goldie and I am getting used to using the magical trinkets that Harry made me. However, we will all stay here if Harry's staying here overnight. I don't want him to feel alone." She gave the goblin one of her spectacular smiles (no teeth) and said, "Even though I know he will be in the best of hands, we'd all miss him and fret. Do you mind if we stay here with him?"
The goblin blushed, and Lucifer grinned. His wife's charms even worked on Goblins, who were tough customers indeed, "Not at all Consort Morningstar, it would be our honor to have you with us."
So they spent the night in the underground caverns of the goblins and saw things most magical people had never seen, gardens of mosses and lichens that glowed in the dark, rock of gardens and glinting treasure. Trixie thought it was all very pretty. Lucifer thought it was lovely as well and planned on making something similar in hell in ages to come when his family was all in the Silver City and he was alone. He felt terribly lonely for a moment and then remembered his resolve. While he had them, he would enjoy his beloved family to the fullest. Eternity was a very long time, but memories of love would be his only companions in the end, so he strove to cherish each moment.