The Devil as a Father, Chapter 17 Updated
(Author's Note) I am republishing this chapter because things were getting too easy for Lucifer. A good story needs conflict, and now conflict has been added. I thank vepmoon96 for their thoughts and truthfulness. They are much appreciated.
Lucifer stood on his favorite hangout spot besides bed with Chloe or even all the kids (for different purposes but always a place of love and comfort) or his piano. This was the balcony where he watched his stars.
Inside he heard happy voices and knew they were his family, and he felt a welling of rarely experienced happiness. Chloe was the love of his life, and her helping him adopt Harry had made a huge difference in their wooing. When they both were parents and she observed his love and care for Harry, their relationship had changed, and it had become easy to tell her about his true self and prove it. Trixie was his little princess and she had taught him to embrace her innocence and sense of fun. He liked playing with her. He used to think he was beyond such things, but now he looked back at the early part of his vacation from hell and realized how empty he had been. Yes he had great pleasure, but he made few friends, real friends. Trixie had made him human.
And Harry, yes Harry had helped him deal with the horrors he experienced in hell. He learned so much from Harry and he loved him so soundly. They were both wounded souls who healed one another. He loved the child fiercely and tenderly at the same time. He was excited at magic and its potential because of Harry. Magic was something he had developed long ago before the fall, and he had forgotten it completely afterwards. He wondered if dear old Dad was responsible for that or if it had been a result of the pain of burning his wings off and hitting the lava. That had not been fun.
Now today he was going to Disneyland, the so-called happiest place on earth. He doubted it, but knew it would be fun because the children and Chloe would have fun. And he had gotten them all a huge suite at the Disneyland hotel with access to massage and spa services and other lovely accommodations. He wondered if he should wear hiking boots for all the walking. He planned on 2 days with his immediate family. That alone was wonderful.
This trip was going to be just him, Chloe, Trixie, Harry and Aradia, who was very excited. Trixie wanted to meet people in costumes, especially princesses. Harry wanted to visit Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars and wanted to go on the Peter Pan ride, which was the first one made by Disney. He also had expressed an interested in getting a star-wars light saber made. Lucifer decided they should all get them. They could stage duels. Maybe he should get one for Maze.
When breakfast has been cleared away, they popped to the hotel with luggage, surprising the valet attendant, and checked into their sumptuous room, which Aradia checked first, and proclaimed to be clean and have no bad magic, and no bad people; also no listening devices. Lucifer was proud of his little hell-hound. She had learned a lot since coming here and had bonded closely with his Harry. They all looked around the room and then went to get the special shuttle to Disneyland, bypassing standing in line and parking. Lucifer grinned at Chloe as they sat in a large golf cart and made their way to a VIP entrance. The sun was shining and Lucifer looked around with interest. He immediately spotted security people, dressed to not look like special security, but actually really security. He could tell. They were warriors, with the watchful eyes that told him they took their jobs seriously. He nodded to one, and put an arm around Harry and Trixie and smiled to let them know they were appreciated. They had a guide who was there to make sure they got into events.
First they went to the Pirates ride. Harry and Trixie liked it. Lucifer liked sitting in the boat with his arms around the children and Chloe. They went three times. Aradia liked it too and Chloe laughed every time the boat went up and then slide downstream.
Then they went to lunch in New Orleans town which was much better than he hoped for, shopped for a few things and then went to the Haunted Mansion and looked at the decorative tombstones outside. Harry clutched his hand.
"There are real ghosts here," Harry said quietly.
"Son, …." Lucifer started to tell him there were no such things as ghosts, when a cold wind passed by and raised goosebumps on his skin.
"I've been on this planet for millennium without seeing one, but I think something cold just walked by." He said softly.
Aradia growled and sent to them all, "There are parts of souls here. Some of them don't know they are dead and haven't moved on – perhaps your sister missed them, my lord. Some of them are almost like recordings of one moment."
Aradia sniffed the air and then growled again, "Someone here is angry, very angry, but they've muffled their scent. I think they have magic."
A sense of rage and power filled the air and they heard thunder in the distance.
Lucifer saw a tall man with incredible long white hair standing there, with a damn wand. He looked proud and cruel and his nose was in the air. Behind him stood other men, all dressed in stupid robes that Harry recognized from the wizarding world.
Harry gave a shiver and Aradia growled
"While we appreciated the old fool being tossed from the game, we want the boy. He has caused much suffering."
Lucifer stared at the man. "Congratulations, we haven't even been introduced and I already despise you."
Before Lucifer could react, someone behind him said the odd phrasing meant to be used to kill food animals without pain and suddenly, the world filled with a bright green that reminded him of Harry's eyes and he was on his throne in hell.
"Harry," he shrieked, and was glad, very glad, that his wings were in good order. Oh my father, he thought, Chloe and Trixie are defenseless. With that, Lucifer called his troops, the loyal demons who delighted in warfare. "I have been insulted, and my family is in danger. We go to the magical world and justice shall be done."
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
Harry and Trixie screamed and Aradia became a full hell-hound. People shrieked and Harry put up strong shields around his family and also gently but firmly pushed the non-magical people away so they were out of range of the spells.
"You killed my Dad," he screamed, his face red. Aradia grabbed one man who looked like a wolf in her jaws and tore him apart.
The man with the long white hair sneered menacingly and then pointed the wand at Harry
A dozen security guards showed up and almost died but for Harry's shielding.
"Get back," Harry yelled.
Trixie stood behind him, protected by his shield. Mom had just kicked the man with the long white hair in a very delicate area, and the man was on the ground screaming in anguish.
"MOM," yelled Harry, "I love you and Trixie. You have to go to safety."
Chloe looked around and assessed with her battle ready eyes.
"I love you, Harry," she shrieked and then ran to Trixie and they both popped away, tears streaming down their cheeks.
Another of the magical men pointed his wand at Harry. "Well done, boy, sending away the women, that leaves us more time to play with you."
Harry fought, and Aradia fought in full fury. Harry linked his mind with her's and joined together, the two killed four of their enemies, but unfortunately, there were far more than four and the youngster screamed when several bursts of magic got through his shields and hit him and Aradia with several crucios.
Harry screamed. This was like Uncle Vernon all over, but now Dad couldn't rescue him. He fought back, against the pain and killed one more man before darkness took him.
He woke in a dank dungeon that stank of misuse of magic and negativity. He didn't see Aradia so she was either dead or would find him.
He tried to call to her mentally and almost wept. They had blocked him mentally.
He was in a cell. The white haired man and several limping and bandaged bastards came in the room.
"Your misery has only begun child. For every life you took, we shall take a limb, for every pain you sent us, we will give you a hundred tortures." The white haired-man looked furious but also pleased to have him there.
Harry sneered at the man, "You killed my Dad. You are disgusting cowards who do not deserve the gift of magic." Then he turned his back on them and wept for his Dad, even as they crucio'd him over and over as they laughed.
Lucifer Chloe Lucifer Chloe Lucifer Chloe
The security team at the Disney facility had cleared out all the visitors, and told them it was a stunt team practicing. Then they returned and gathered up the bodies, who were strangely dressed and all had wands.
The leader knew what that meant. His name was John Arnold and he was a squib. He had not been kicked out by his family, but was loved and given encouragement to do what he desired, and he had turned into a protector. He had heard vague rumors of what happened in England and he felt this wasn't the end of things, so he waited at the scene.
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Chloe popped Trixie home and called Maze mentally. She had never tried this, but her rage and grief seemed to unlock something, and Maze ran into the penthouse, eyes wide with alarm.
"I can't feel Lucifer," she cried.
"They killed him," said Chloe, new tears in her eyes, "But Harry is alone with them; we have to find him."
Maze's eyes filled with a rage Chloe had never seen before.
"They can't kill Lucifer for long. He'll go to hell and come back," she said, "Our first duty is to save Harry, but I don't have the magic to get us there."
Trixie sobbed and yelled, "The Goblins are our friends and they have magic. Let's go to them."
Chloe opened her arms and both Maze and Trixie were gathered up. Goldie flew to her shoulder and they all went to the special receiving area in Gringott's International, which Harry had magically imprinted on her locket to add to the his many emergency locations.
There several guards bowed to them, "They killed my Lord Lucifer," said Maze. "They have his son, Harry, and time is short."
Goblins started blinking into and out of the room, and their King arrived with a full platoon of warriors. "Show me where this took place, Consort Morningstar and Warrior Mazikeen, and we can track them magically from there," said the King, his eyes filled with fury.
Chloe opened her mind to the King without fear. He winced, this woman was more powerful than any mortal magical and her magic was expanding.
They went via portkey and arrived with a crack in the area near the Haunted Mansion, which had been closed down and screened off.
John Arnold was the only one to see them arrive and he went and bowed to Chloe and the Goblin King.
"They took your son, and your Husband's body has disappeared."
Maze gave him a chilling smile, "That means he is in Hell," she said, like it was a good thing.
Trixie gave a cry and ran to the body of Aradia, who had changed back to a Chihuahua before she blacked out. The smallest hell hound whimpered in pain. She had been tortured and cut severely, and had lost much blood.
Maze bent over Aradia, and opened an intricately carved box and took out a feather which she placed on the little dog's head, while John Arnold and the Goblins watched.
Aradia's eyes opened and turned red, "They took Harry," she mind called, and everyone heard it, even the Goblins, who were amazed.
She whined, "I don't deserve to live, I have failed Harry."
Maze knelt and touched the little dog. "Aradia, I can smell the magic they used, they knew how to hurt demons and sent spells against you. You fought with all your strength. Now you must be strong again, only your nose can lead us to Harry."
Aradia jumped up and stood before them, "Follow me warriors," she mind spoke to all, "He still lives but they have bound his magic and mental call and they are hurting him."
Chloe held Trixie in her arms. "I'm sending you back to the Goblin hall; I can't fight for Harry if you are also in danger."
Trixie didn't argue but popped away instantly. The Goblin guards there held her as she cried for her family and took her to the King's rooms where they and others came to wait with her.
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Maze, Chloe and the Goblins disappeared with Goldie in tow.
John Arnold prepared to try to explain all this to his boss, who was usually understanding, but was probably going to fire his ass, when the air filled with electricity.
Then, before his eyes, the handsome man he had last seen as a dead body appeared. His eyes were red and fierce. With him were hundreds of demons from hell, spoiling for a fight. They were terrifying.
"Sir," he yelled, "Your wife and a platoon of Goblins are going after your son. The little girl is safe. The little dog is following his trail."
Lucifer stared at the man. "You are a squib," he said softly, and his voice frightened John Arnold with the menace in it, but his next words were kind. "You have been honorable. For this, I give you back the gift of magic." He said, "I have warded Disneyland against those who would do ill. I will return when I am done. The men who stole my son have an appointment in hell."
Then they all disappeared with a crack of thunder that left John's heart pounding. Suddenly getting his ass fired wasn't so bad.
Lucifer Chloe Lucifer Chloe Lucifer Chloe
Lucius Malfoy was angry. This half-blooded mudblood so-called hero had to understand his place in the natural order. Several good friends had died at the child's hands, and he would be avenged, but he wanted to properly soften the child up, so he and his remaining friends enjoyed themselves sending horrible spells at the boy until the little arrogant child collapsed soundlessly, without even giving him the satisfaction of a good scream.
McNair mentioned that he wanted some time with the boy next, so they resolved to refresh themselves and come back later for more entertainment.
They congratulated themselves, and left to guest rooms while Malfoy went to get some good brandy and a proper bath.
From the shadows, a little boy with white hair and tears in his eyes crept. He went to the cell and used magic to open it and went to the still body and began to do limited first aid magic on it.
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Harry's eyes opened and he stared at the boy, who looked a lot like his father's murderer.
"Why are you helping me?" he asked.
"My father is a monster. You don't deserve anything they did. I'm going to try to unbind some of your magic," said the boy softly.
Harry held out a shaking hand and touched the boy's face, "Thank you. If we live, I would like to be your friend."
"My name is Draco Malfoy, and I would be honored to be your friend," said Draco softly.
"Finiti Incantum," he intoned next, and some of the bindings broke.
Harry was exhausted but still enraged. They had killed his Dad. "Do it again," he said.
Draco did it 6 more times, and suddenly Harry felt his mind free up.
Then Mum and Mazikeen appeared with all the Goblins in the world.
One Goblin raised a sword to run Draco through, but Harry threw his arms around the boy. "Don't hurt him. He healed me and broke some of the magic bindings."
"Then he is a friend," said the Goblin and bowed to Draco respectfully, even though they all knew this spoiled boy. To help an enemy of his father was a great act of courage, and they could respect that."
Chloe knelt next to her son, and took out one of Lucifer's feathers and placed it on his heart while kissing his forehead gently. She smiled at Draco and watched his look of astonishment as glowing golden light filled the feather and then infused Harry's body.
Harry sat up. "Dad's dead," he said in anguish.
"No," said Maze and Chloe nodded. "Your Dad is the Devil, Harry. He's an immortal and an angel. His body disappeared and he'll wake up in Hell."
Harry's eyes filled with hope and he clutched his Mum and Maze in joy. Goldie settled on his shoulder and lovingly rubbed her head against his cheek.
Draco stood up. "The House of Malfoy has fallen." He said, "My father had done evil deeds and I can no longer be his son. Can I stay with you Harry? You may be my only friend."
Chloe looked at this stranger who had tended to her son when she wasn't there.
"We always have room for more," she said and touched the boy's cheek. He blushed but looked hopeful.
"You realize we're going to kill your Dad and his friends," said Maze in a cold voice.
"If you don't, I'd spend the rest of my life trying to. They murdered someone, attacked muggles, and tortured a little boy and laughed about. I hate them all," said Draco passionately, and now Chloe took him in her arms and held him and then grabbed her precious boy. "I want to take the boys to safety," she said, when the room suddenly got larger and filled with Demons.
Her husband stood there, filled with rage, and then saw her with Harry. His eyes turned a warm brown that she knew well.
"Harry," he cried, and ran to his son and wife and held them hungrily. "Trixie is safe with the Goblins," said Chloe. "This is Malfoy's son and he helped heal Harry. He was trying to get him to safety when we got here."
Lucifer looked surprised and starred down at the blonde-haired boy.
"I am glad to find someone with character and honor among the magical born humans. I was on the edge of taking back the gift of magic permanently."
He held out his hand to the child, "You will be safe with my wife and son."
"My Mother is here, Sir," said the boy. "She was punished for yelling at Dad because of his plans and is awful sick. The elves are tending to her, but he won't allow her to see a healer."
"Your father and his friends are going to be punished," said Lucifer, sternly, but looking at the boy with compassion.
"They deserve it," said Draco shakily, "Just protect my Mother, if possible sir."
"You and your mother are now under the protection of house Morningstar,"
The demons bowed. Their King had made a pronouncement.
"Go, now and gather the miscreants. We are taking them on a trip." The demons disappeared.
He squatted down before Draco, "I don't intentionally kill human beings, but I'm taking them alive into hell with my demons. We will take your mother to the Goblins for healing. They are first rate healers, better than humans, actually, no matter what your Father might say."
"Thank you, Sir," said Draco, his eyes filled with tears.
"Then, you and your Mother will find refuge in our household. It will be new to you, but I think you may like it young one. Don't be afraid, you are now my friend, because you tended to my son."
Draco nodded.
Lucifer kissed his wife lovingly, and then kissed his son's forehead, "Chloe, take Harry and his new friend to the Goblin's and the rest of us will find Draco's mother and start the punishment.
Chloe touched her husband's cheek, "I thought you were dead," she said, "My heart broke. Punish them, husband, the non-magical law can do nothing against them."
Lucifer left.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
Lucius Malfoy woke up to the sight of the man he'd arranged to murder staring at him with red eyes. The room was filled with creatures out of his nightmares. "Gather him up," the man coldly commanded, "And gather the rest."
A small golden dragon flew up to Lucius and then gave an angry cry and spat fire at him that burned his face. He screamed in pain.
Lucifer held out an imperious hand, "Goldie, come to me. You have had your revenge, but you must leave him to our punishment." The little creature creeled in distress, and Lucifer petted it gently while he stared at Lucius with hatred. "I have punished those sent to hell for centuries and did it without ill will because it was my duty, but today, today you have earned my hate."
Lucius opened his mouth to berate this mud blood, this blood traitor and the man smiled at him. He held up Lucius' wand which was a treasure of his house, left to him by his ancestors and then with a gentle smile broke it in two.
Lucifer had screamed with pain at the burning, but the dishonor and shame of having a treasure of his house broken by this horrible man was more terrible than disfigurement to him.
Then the horrible monsters dare lay hands on him and he woke in a place of pain and terror. The man stood before him, taking off his clothing carefully while his monsters stared at Lucius with hungry eyes.
When the man stood before him in mere undergarments he began to change. "See the face of the Devil," he said. Lucius saw the man change into the worst monster of all, with those red eyes and red horrible skin, like a burn victim and wings, bat wings. He was horrified and lost control of his bodily functions
The creature came up and placed his clawed hand on Lucius' head and said, "Magic, you that I created to help man survive and live in peace with nature, I call upon you to judge this weak excuse for a man and his friends and punish them."
And Lucius Malfoy screamed as he felt magic rip itself from him, leaving him a detestable squib.
He stayed being tormented by the monsters for what seemed like an eternity, but eventually he woke in what he recognized as the Wizenagott chambers before his peers, his clothing smeared with refuse and waste, his friends were there, madness in their eyes. And before the leaders of their people stood this monster in his wretched and terrifying form. He glared at the cringing wizards and witches with contempt in his eyes.
"You were given the gift of magic to allow you all to survive with joy, to tend to the earth, to care for it, to live in peace with it. Instead, you have used it for power to harm and bully over those you deemed less than you.
Cornelius Fudge was there, gazing at the creature with horror, "Who are you and by what authority do you interrupt this august body?" he asked but his voice trembled.
All the wands in the room appeared in Lucifer's beclawed hand.
"I am Lucifer Morningstar, King of Hell, Maker of Magic, Creator of all stars and lights. I am come to render judgement on your people."
Many of the people fell to their knees. "You know what I did to Albus Dumbledore," said Lucifer, "But you still fail to believe in my authority and power in this situation. Therefore, Magic itself, my beloved creation, will be removed by those who are unworthy."
Lucius closed his eyes. Perhaps it would have been better to stay in hell.
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Chloe and Maze had sat with the children, after assuring themselves that no harm came to their extended family. Harry and the goblins checked all the wards on the Lux and their other homes and found them still strong and in place.
Chloe sat next to the bed of an older woman who had been tortured, just as her Harry had been, and rejoiced to see the Goblins do so much healing on the woman. Her son had sat by her side as well and helped the Goblins in whatever way they requested. The Goblins had told her how proud and arrogant the family had appeared before, but the boy acted with humility and kindness now, and thanked the Goblins all profusely for their kindness.
While he sat watching over his sleeping mother, they felt magic feel the room and a ring appeared on the young man's hand. "I think Father is dead," he said, "This is the Malfoy house ring, it only goes to the heir if the house head had died."
"Or lost his magic," said Lucifer who suddenly appeared before them. "Your father walks among the living as a squib as do his miserable friends and many of your ruling body. Magic and I have judged them unworthy."
"I have been gifted with headship," said the boy, "But I don't know if I have the wisdom to rule or be a good person."
"As I told you before, young one, you are now a part of our house, and will live with us until you need or want to leave," said Lucifer kindly. "I want to make sure there are no more idiots running about who want to harm you or your mother, and you will find that the Goblins will be great teachers of both war, business and honor."
The goblins in the room all stood taller. Lucifer was praising them. He never ceased to touch their hearts and didn't even realize how many wounds he healed with the honor and esteem he lavished upon them.