The Devil as a Father Chapter 19
(Author's note - contains mention of rape)
Lucifer called one about-to-be-severely-shocked Javier Martinez, private therapist, physician and expert in traumatized children. He made an appointment with a very nice lady, who set him up for that afternoon, which made him worry about the young man's business, but glad to get to see him so soon.
The office was bright and comfortable with a play area for young children. Lucifer smiled, this was definitely a place where children were welcome. He sincerely hoped his children would be welcome as well.
The lady took his information and took him into Javier's office to meet the young man. Lucifer gazed at him piercingly. He was going to trust this man with his children's minds. Of course, Mrs. Edwards had recommended him, so that was high praise indeed, but still he was a father now and had to make sure.
"Dr. Martinez, I understand you have had experiences with the supernatural," he said after they finished the preliminary greeting, and Dr. Martinez hadn't batted an eye about his name.
The young man looked startled, "How did you find out that?" he asked, "I generally don't publically share that information."
Lucifer found himself smiling, "I was told this by a member of my family who has a rare gift. She is a seer. She never uses her gift for gain, and has saved lives with her ability. She told me my son needs your help."
Javier Martinez looked a little stern. "I hope this isn't some kind of joke," he said.
Lucifer held out his hand and took the young man's in his.
"My adopted son was found in a trash can, sexually used while under the influence of a drug called curare. He was beaten and used as a veritable slave by his family before that, and came to me with broken bones and malnutrition. I love him with my whole heart and I need someone who is a believer because Harry has the gift of magic. He can open doors without touching them. He can sense evil and ghosts. He needs help, but I want those that help him to understand all the nuances of his small life so as to be able to help him the most. Please, I beg you."
Javier's stern look disappeared.
"He is exactly the type of child I have trained to help. Why do I feel you understand him more than most?"
Lucifer, the King of Hell, blushed. "I was kicked out of home by my parents and was later gang raped. Amazingly, I didn't really start to deal with it truly until Harry became part of my life. I was formerly very sexually prolific and lost to drug use and any type of pleasure. I married after I adopted Harry and none of things in my past life seemed to matter at all. I love my wife passionately and have rejected the idea of sleeping with anyone else. I have stopped drugs and I only smoke on the balcony. I have reduced my intake of alcohol and joined the PTA. But Harry has been subjected to violence. Even his sister has been subjected to violence. I believe your wisdom will be part of our healing as individual and a family."
"Would you be willing to join therapy for your son?" asked Dr. Martinez.
"I already have an excellent therapist, but see no problem with also meeting with you in whatever way you feel would be best."
"All right," said the Doctor, "We can work together. Tell me more about this magical situation."
Lucifer looked at him. "Does the supernatural frighten you doctor?"
The Doctor smiled, "I'm sure it might in the right circumstance."
Lucifer stood up, "Then please realize you are in no danger whatsoever," said Lucifer very gently.
He unfurled his wings, and the good doctor fell out of his chair but didn't faint.
"Well done, Sir," he said, "Many have fainted and you will note I made sure you were seated."
Jaime stood and walked to Lucifer staring at his face and his wings in wonder.
"If I may be so bold, what are you?" the young man asked respectfully. Lucifer noted that his voice only shook very slightly.
"I am Lucifer Morningstar, fallen angel. I have left hell, I am not the prince of lies, I do not collect souls, and I have adopted a wonderful boy, married a wonderful wife and at least magically adopted her wonderful daughter, since her father still is involved in her life, and now my friend. Please don't be afraid."
"And this rape you mentioned you experienced?" asked Dr. Martinez.
"At the hands of demons of hell when I first landed in the lake of fire. My wings were burned, indeed my whole body, and I was much weakened. When I regained my strength I destroyed all of that tribe and no other demons know of that part of my history. They only know me as the King of Hell."
"And your father did this to you?" asked the Doctor, and Lucifer knew he was going to take them on as clients. The young man was obviously a born healer and filled with rare compassion.
Lucifer nodded and wondered that he felt no trepidation sharing this. "I've actually only told this to Harry, not my wife. It seems I am remiss. It is easy to talk to you and I now realize I should share this with my beloved."
Dr. Martinez smiled, "It seems to me from my human point-of-view that you are doing very well in your recovery. It is always an on-going process of growth, but your love for your children has healed you of a great deal."
He looked a little shy then and asked rather quietly, "Would it offend you if I touched one of your feathers?"
Lucifer took his hand and placed it on one wing. "Don't touch the ones on the bottom, they are sharp for battle."
"Amazing," the young man murmured, touching them gently.
Then he stood back and smiled weakly, "This is going to be hard to top."
"Wait till you meet Harry," said Lucifer. "Tell me, Doctor, it was fairly easy to get an appointment. Is your practice doing well?" he asked, concerned.
Now Dr. Martinez blushed, "I'm just starting out. Unfortunately most of my patients are not able to afford me, so I'm doing them for much less than I'm supposed to."
Lucifer's eyes shone. Here was a man Harry would respect and that he respected already. "Let me help. I would like to start a foundation, through you, giving you money to allow you to make a decent living, while helping those who cannot afford your service. Would this be acceptable?"
"Sir, that is incredibly generous of you, but you don't need to.."
Lucifer touched the flustered doctor on his arm and looked at him. "I meet so few people as caring as you, Doctor, and this is a truly outrageous problem. Let me make some small help for those who need it. I may be referring people to you in future as well. Harry often senses those who need help."
Dr. Martinez tilted his head to the side, "And you're the Devil?" he asked, "You who are blamed for everything is offering to help me with victims of rape. I don't think you are the Devil, Sir, just a much better type of angel, if you ask me."
The two men stared at each other, Dr. Martinez stared at Lucifer in delight, and Lucifer was astonished at Dr. Martinez. He realized this young man was not only going to help his family, but also be a friend.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
Mrs. Edwards knew that new friends had moved into the Lux in one of the apartments near her own. She walked over and knocked gently on the door.
A pale woman answered the door, wearing robes from the Wizarding world.
"Hello," she said companionably, "I'm your neighbor down the hall, Mrs. Edwards. I came over to see if you wanted company or needed anything. I know our world is probably pretty strange."
The woman smiled.
"Draco has been explaining a lot. I can make a pot of tea now. Please come in and call me Narcissa."
Mrs. Edwards walked in carry fresh-baked cookies. The two women from different worlds had a lovely chat and demolished all the cookies and several cups of tea.
There was a tap at the door, and two little boys peeked in. "Mother, its Draco and Harry," announced the young blonde, "is it okay for us to come in?"
"Of course, Son," said Narcissa. "May I introduce my son, Draco Malfoy." She said proudly.
Mrs. Edwards smiled at the youngsters and took his hand, "I am pleased to meet you young man. My name is Mrs. Edwards and I see you have several possible paths before you."
"Are you a seer?" asked Draco, his eyes wide.
"Indeed that is my gift," said Mrs. Edwards. "You and your mother will make changes in the magical world. Indeed you both already have by being brave."
Draco looked at his Mother and she nodded at him.
"Do you know about my Father?"
"Yes, not because I have been told, but because I saw him attack Harry and his family. Your Father has destroyed his life but even he may have some hope."
"I'm not letting him be part of my life," said Draco suddenly, anger in his voice. "I can't believe in him anymore."
Mrs. Edwards reached over and took his hand gently, "You are wise to set a boundary between that man and you and your mother. He has taken you both for granted and forgotten that he once loved you. Until he remembers that fact and tries to redeem himself, he is dangerous, even without magic."
Narcissa nodded, "You are indeed a seer and a woman of wisdom," she said, "You are also very kind. I hope we can be friends."
"We will, my Dear," said Mrs. Edwards. "Harry, please go to my apartment and pick up the wrapped plate on the dining room table."
Harry nodded and came back with more cookies. "Now I know you are a seer, you made another batch for the boys," laughed Narcissa.
Narcissa insisted on giving the boys milk with the cookies, and they had a pleasant time talking about new discoveries. Narcissa was very pleased that her son's education would be taken in hand. "I too need to be educated in this new world. I don't know how to shop, or walk down the street, or drive a car. I'm still not sure about the elevator thing."
"I'll help you practice Mother, never fear," said Draco, proud he knew something.
Mrs. Edwards said, "I am retired and time tends to hang heavy on my hands. I would love to take you out exploring."
Narcissa felt a little spark of happiness. "I have yet to meet our host, Lord Morningstar. What is he like?" she asked.
"A very good man," said Mrs. Edwards, "He loves his family very much and they have helped him a great deal. And yes, he's the Devil, but none of the non-magical rumors and stories really apply. He was quite the party goer until he adopted Harry, but seems to have a tendency now to focus on his family and protecting them."
"Um, pardon Mrs. Edwards," said Harry, "but I have to go and feed Uncle Sirius now."
"What did you turn into this time?" asked the older woman sternly.
"He's a Baboon," said Harry. "He was setting up a prank in Dad and Mom's room and that just won't do."
"A baboon?" asked Narcissa, "That seems appropriate for my dear cousin."
"Want to come with me?" Harry asked her and Draco. "He might start acting more adult if he sees you."
"I wish I had a camera to memorialize the event," said Narcissa with a smile.
"We can take a video and pictures with my phone," said Harry.
Soon they had entered Sirius' apartment where a large cage held a sullen looking baboon, who started to shriek and then saw Narcissa. Harry started to video this on his phone.
"Naughty, Naughty, Cousin," she chided, "When everyone has been so kind to you."
The baboon gave a new shriek, covered its face and turned away, exposing a big red butt.
Draco tried very hard not to laugh, but couldn't stand it, "Oh Cousin, you are very colorful," he finally blurted and began to snort. Harry snorted once, and then started chuckling.
Narcissa smiled. She swore to herself she wouldn't laugh, but began to snicker quietly, with a handkerchief held to her lips. Sirius looked so funny.
Then the door behind them swung open to reveal Moonie, who looked like he had a headache but his face lit up when he saw the Malfoys.
"Lady Malfoy, what a delight!" he cried.
Narcissa turned and saw the werewolf who had been Sirius' best friend. "I'm glad you reconnected with the baboon," she said gently, and Moody started to cough and finally gave up and just laughed.
"Yes, he's a lovely baboon," he commented.
"Sirius," said Narcissa, "This is Draco your cousin. I assume you have met our distant relative, Harry Morningstar."
"What?" said Harry, so almost dropped his phone. "We're related?"
"Your grandmother married into the family," said Narcissa, "We weren't allowed to know where you were because Dumbledore was convinced we'd turn you to the dark. He probably wasn't wrong in my Husband's case, but I would have loved to have you."
"You're my cousin, a real relative," Harry sounded shaken.
Narcissa became concerned, "I recently have heard rumors that Dumbledore abused you. If that is true, I had no idea of that during your childhood. Dumbledore said you were loved and happy. If you don't want to acknowledge the relationship, that is fine. I understand our family has besmirched our honor too many times."
The baboon turned into a man and said, "Narcissa, you were trapped in a loveless marriage with the idiot. He shouldn't blame you."
"Of course not," said Harry, and turned Sirius into an all pink baboon, who shrieked and raced around the cage in a panic at being pink.
"I am excited to think I have two nice relatives," said Harry. "I hope you don't mind that I am a Morningstar now."
"Oh no, it's a tremendous honor to all who love true magic," said Narcissa.
The pink baboon began to complain and Harry stared at Draco and Narcissa with wonder. "If you don't mind, I would like to hug both of you," he said softly.
"But of course, beloved cousin. Thank you," said Narcissa.
The baboon hung upside down and made rude comments in baboon. "I hope you don't understand the baboon language, Cousins," the tearful boy joked.
And Draco and Narcissa hugged the son of Lucifer, who wept and shook for a bit and then gave them a ravishing smile. "I am so glad we brought you here. It's nice to be able to say I have some family." Then he blushed, "Of course, my adoptive family is the best and I love them with all my heart, but this is like a gift. It's like I finally have a history."
Later that evening, Harry told Lucifer and hoped he wouldn't be jealous. Dad was very possessive.
Instead Lucifer gazed at him piercingly and then smiled at everyone at the table. "What a joyous thing. I am delighted to welcome you into the family."
Narcissa turned pale and became very still.
"Is that not good for you?" asked Lucifer, concerned.
"It's the greatest honor I could ever dream of," said Narcissa. "You, who rescued me and my darling boy from constant mental torture and a gilded prison, now accepting us as family. I, I, my heart is positively full."
Chloe got up and hugged them and Trixie hugged Narcissa and then Draco, more shyly."
"I hope we can be friends too," she said. "Harry is my brother, but he's also my best friend besides Maze."
Maze who was watching all of this with interested eyes, looked proud.
"Mazikeen is a demon. She is my first and best friend and my protective shield," said Lucifer. "She also protects Trixie, Harry and Chloe. If you ever need a teacher in the arts of war, Mazikeen is the very best."
Maze blushed. Trixie whipped out her camera and took a picture. Maze NEVER blushed.
But Maze did stand up and chase Trixie from the room. "Small Human, erase that picture now," she laughed and Trixie squealed.
"I hope our less than formal table manners are not obnoxious to you, my lady," said Lucifer mildly as the noise of tickling and shrieks came from Trixie's room.
"I am finding it refreshing at the moment. You have a wonderful family and I hope to be helpful to you all," said Narcissa.
"Just be yourselves," said Chloe. "Live life, grow, enjoy things, learn."
Narcissa smiled.
Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer
The next few days were a lot of fun. Harry enjoyed Draco's sense of humor and he taught him a lot.
Mrs. Edwards took Narcissa shopping in Beverly Hills with a credit card provided by Lucifer and if her world view hadn't been good before, it changed completely. Muggles made wonderful things. She had never seen so much variety in her life and the shoes! They came back with tons of outfits, and held a fashion show with Chloe, Trixie and Maze, who was impressed with the undergarments.
"Don't you have similar garments?" asked Narcissa.
"I don't usually wear underwear, but this stuff is really sexy."
Narcissa looked at her. "You are very brave. If I didn't dress properly, my mother did horrible things. It must be nice to feel so free of constraints."
Maze looked at her. "Your people are very controlling. I am sorry they taught you such foolish things. Of course, they stayed with you, so that gives them points."
Narcissa stared at her now, "You mean your mother abandoned you?"
"Yeah, but no biggie," said Maze.
"Everyone deserves mothering and love, Mazikeen. You are a great warrior and deserve good things." Narcissa had a strange look in her eye. "You are far older than I, oh Beautiful Demon Warrior, but you deserve mothering. I bet Mrs. Edwards does some of that," she said shrewdly.
"She's a very neat old lady," said Maze. "I talk to her a lot."
Narcissa smiles, "I cannot give you fashion advice, or tell you how to meander in this strange new world, but I can mother people. Please let me be a friend. I like you."
Maze looked extremely pleased.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
Draco found Harry in a large restaurant kitchen area cooking.
"What are you doing, Cousin?" he asked with pleasure. Harry being happy about being related to the Malfoys helped with a lot of the hurt he felt right now about his father. Harry made him feel special and he liked it.
"I'm making batches of bread for my new restaurant," said Harry.
"Why?" asked Draco. He had already learned that Lord Morningstar was extremely rich and an ally of the Goblins, and Harry was rich, why work like that.
Harry turned and smiled at him gently. "I have several reasons. One, I really like cooking, two, I like doing businesses now, it will train me to be better at them when I grow up, and last of all, well, I was hungry a lot when I was younger. I want to make enough money from this, so I can use my profits to build up the business and to make food for those who are hungry, the homeless ones."
Draco found this a puzzle, but thought about how hungry he had been when he hit his last growing spurt and how wonderful food was. He thought about how hard it would be to not have his Mother and the Morningstars taking care of him and how awful it was to go without food and comfort.
"Can I help?" he asked.
So that afternoon, he learned how to make delicious rolls, which he was really proud to present to his Mother, and came up with ideas for menu's for Harry's exclusive breakfast and lunch venue. They planned on hearty breakfasts with different types of coffees and teas, and Harry was excited when he used calligraphy to make up menu cards for him. Harry duplicated them with wandless magic, which really impressed Draco, so the two boys worked hard and had a lot of fun. Draco had high standards for fancy, which Harry appreciated because he knew his Dad had the same high standards, so he listened to what Draco suggested and thought about them to see if they translated into their world. It was all good. Draco was stunned by the way Harry could incorporate magic into doing things with muggle appliances. He watched and learned a lot about business and about magic.
After New Year's Eve, where they had a big muggle party, fireworks that Draco was sure were at least part magic and lots of fun, Lord Morningstar made a small announcement in the paper that they were starting a small breakfast and lunch venue at the Lux.
This new restaurant, which was called, "Magic Meals," (Draco and Harry snickered every time someone said the name), would be open on Saturdays and Sundays only at the start, so as not to interrupt a certain young man's education at school. Draco was tutored at home alone about muggle studies, and with Harry in the evenings about magic. Draco was determined to catch up.
When Harry learned that Draco spoke French, he was impressed. Draco was even more impressed when Harry was able to speak French perfectly with him. Trixie, who didn't appear to have Harry's gift, begged for lessons, and began to learn French phrases with Draco and tutored him in math, her best subject.
Sirius also stopped trying to prank Lucifer, which lead to him learning about life in Los Angeles, which lead him to being slapped at the Lux quite a bit until Lucifer had to take him aside and explain about treating people with respect.
"Look, many people come here to have a good time, but you make them feel like you are using them and that makes them mad. Try being respectful," said Lucifer, "and polite, too."
Mooney sat quietly through this and then went back to their room and laughed himself silly. "You have to get lessons on behavior from LUCIFER, you great prat." Tears of mirth fell down his cheeks and the werewolf literally fell on his bum laughing, which started Sirius off on laughing too. It was a good beginning for the two of them.