The Devil as a Father, Chapter 22
The next day, they had a huge crowd there at Lux for breakfast. Draco and Harry chatted about Hermione Granger and about Ron Weasley, who they had seen bullying the girl openly. He even told Lucifer she wasn't worth his time.
Lucifer was really pleased with Professor Flitwick and hoped that his talk with the school would help. Chloe wanted Hermione to be with them and Narcissa also had taken quite a liking to the little girl. "That child has a fine mind and I want to be part of assisting her as she grows." She said. "I am very proud of you for apologizing to her, Draco."
Draco blushed, but looked pleased. Harry elbowed him genially and the two boys smiled at one another.
Mrs. Edwards was happy she had gone, and hoped that they would listen to her warning for the magical world.
Dan was excited because Trixie seemed to be shaping up as a math prodigy. Sirius and Remus were of the same opinion. She had shown them how to check potions mathematically and found several ways to changing known potions to make them stronger. She had especially surprised Remus because she figured out 5 ways of making wolfbane easier to and quicker to make. They had spent the day making the potion together, even Dan and the Security Team were involved, because Remus might not have to be locked up. Dan was very proud of all the kids, but was practically glowing to think Trixie might have found a way to help Remus.
Harry was making breakfast burritos with his Dad this morning, and had made homemade tortillas to go with them. Dan bit into one and made an ecstatic face. "Oh Harry, these are good as the ones my Abuela made when I was little."
Narcissa tried to cut her burrito with a fork and knife, but Chloe showed her and Draco how to eat burritos. Draco loved his. Narcissa looked a little scared until she finally tasted the food and then got a big smile. "This is excellent," she said softly,
Today Lucifer, Chloe, Harry, Maze and Aradia along with Narcissa and Draco were going to visit the Minister of Magic. Then Lucifer was going to give a lecture on what magic was supposed to do on the grounds of Hogwarts.
Lucifer and Chloe had decided that Mrs. Edwards needed a break. He didn't like the looks she had received during their visit, some were of adoration but some were greedy.
"Narcissa," he asked as they almost were finished with breakfast, "do we need to get you anything from your home while we visit?"
"Well last week I would have said clothing, but no, I really don't need anything, and I don't want to visit the house." Then a look of horror came over her face, "Oh No. Poor Dobby! DOBBY!" she called, and waited.
Everyone waited with her. Suddenly there was a huge pop and a strange looking creature with floppy ears appeared and bowed to her slavishly, "What is Mistress requiring?" the creature asked.
"Come here, Dobby," she said kindly, and took the creature's hand. "My husband has been stripped of magic and no longer has the right to hurt you. Everything is different now. Draco and I are no longer punished for not being cruel. All Lucius' old rules are now dissolved. You are not to punish yourselves or let anyone punish you."
The little creature burst into loud tears. "Mistress Narcissa is being so kind."
Draco got up and sat on the floor and hugged the creature, who cried louder.
Harry and Trixie got up and talked to the creature, "Hello, my name is Harry and this is my sister, Trixie. Do you want to be friends with us?"
Chloe looked at Narcissa. "Dobby is a house elf. They serve magical humans and in exchange our ambient magic gives them strength. Lucius was very cruel to Dobby, and he forced Draco and I to be strict with him or we were punished too."
Lucifer looked upset. He got up and sat on the floor by Dobby who cringed and bowed.
"Little one, do you want to be freed?" he asked.
"If Dobby is freed it would be bad. Dobby would die from not havings a family bond."
Narcissa's eyes filled with tears, "I promise you Dobby, we won't be mean to you anymore, but if you desire it, you can have another master."
"You don't hate Dobby's anymore?" asked the elf shyly.
"No Dobby," said Draco, "We never hated you. I remember what a great friend you were until Dad punished me for playing with you. Dad was sent away and I won't ever listen to him again. You were my first friend, Dobby." The boy's eyes filled with tears and the elf threw his arms around him and hugged him.
"Then Dobby must have a bond with a magical human or creature or he dies?" Lucifer looked tense.
"Yes," said Narcissa, "and their culture considers being free to be terrible. House elves love taking care of people, cleaning, doing cooking, straightening up, washing, caring for animals, gardening all sorts of tasks. In many families, they are considered beloved parts of the family, but in some they are treated cruelly."
"Surely it wasn't always this way?" said Lucifer.
"There was a time when we wazz free, Master Sir, but someone took away our magical cores and we had to have the bond to stay alive."
Lucifer's brown eyes filled with tears and he pulled the little elf on his lap and gently just held him, "I am so sorry," he whispered, "To have your freewill removed is a horrible crime. Do you want to try to fix it?"
"Can youse fix it so we don't die? So we can have magical cores again?" asked the little elf.
"Yes," said Lucifer, "but we should do it carefully, since your culture seems to have evolved into wanting to be a slave. I want you to have a choice."
"So I can be free and still work for Mistress Narcissa and Master Draco? I likes them." said the elf.
"Yes." said Lucifer, "you will have a choice, as will they, but you will have a magical core too."
"Can I works for all of youse? You are all very nice, and I know you won't hurt me," said Dobby with shining eyes.
Lucifer laughed, and gave Dobby another gentle hug.
"We'll see. We don't want you to work too hard, and we all have different work we do that is important for us to do by ourselves. Also, we have people who work for us who also need their jobs."
"Yes, Master, Sir," said the little elf, and he looked at the floor sadly.
"That doesn't mean we won't need you, just we don't want you to work yourself to death," said Harry. Dobby smiled at him.
Lucifer touched the little creature and sent some of his magic into him to heal the many wounds Dobby had. |Dobby seemed to stand taller. Lucifer whispered in his ear and Dobby got a huge grin. "That is fun works. I will works for you all and take good care of you."
After breakfast's excitement, they prepared to visit Hogwarts again. Lucifer called Cletus and his family and they all assembled as they had done yesterday but without Mrs. Edwards who was going to show the Lux to Dobby.
This time they popped past the wards into the hallway outside the great hall, where Filius was just opening the door to go and greet them.
Lucifer then popped his fingers and notices went to all the teachers, the students, and everyone in the government about Lucifer's speech about magic.
Each notice was a portkey. At three in the afternoon, they were all invited to touch the seal and they would all be transported.
Now they went to the Ministry of Magic. As usual, and to the shock of the wizarding people, he passed through the wards and landed in the main entry hall and told them he was expected to meet the Minister of Magic, Lady Longbottom.
The man who was at the reception desk seemed bored and didn't even look at them as he asked Lucifer for his wand. Lucifer looked at him, puzzled, and then smiled, "I am the Lord of Magic, I don't need a wand,"
The idiot was obviously not paying attention, "No muggles allowed. You have to leave."
Filius started to giggle.
"I have an appointment with Lady Longbottom," said Lucifer firmly.
"Lady Longbottom doesn't see muggles," said the man, "She has an appointment with someone very important right now."
"And who is that?" hissed Lucifer, with a swarmy smirk on his face.
"Lucifer Morningstar, the maker of magic, light and music, and Lord of hell." said the man in a snotty voice. How dare this mere muggle snot at him.
"Who do you think I am?" said Lucifer sternly and leaned forward, staring at the imbecile. His eyes turned from their pleasant brown to the fires of Hell.
The man finally paid attention, shrieked and fainted.
"Bloody Hell," said Lucifer
"What did you do?" asked an auror, running up with his wand drawn.
"Nothing," said Lucifer pleasantly, "I simply explained that I am Lucifer Morningstar and I have an appointment with the Minister of Magic."
The auror was apparently listening because he turned pale and bowed to Lucifer and his entourage, "Permit me the honor of accompanying you to the Minister's office,' he squeaked and then took them to the elevators. "The elevator size will change to accommodate your entire party, my Lord."
Lucifer tilted an eyebrow in interested and they all walked into the elevator, followed by the auror.
They arrived and followed the auror down the hall to the Minister of Magic's office, which was apparently big enough to hold them all. Lucifer walked in and wondered if the secretary would insult him too.
The secretary looked up, smiled and said, "The Minister of Magic is ready for you, Lords and Ladies, and thank you for taking the time to come see us today."
She went to the door, tapped and told the Minister they were here.
An elderly Lady who looked like she could eat aurors for breakfast came out and greeted them all formally, but with interest and kindness.
"Please, would you like some tea or perhaps the American coffee?" Madame Longbottom asked politely.
Lucifer made chairs for the whole group and little tables for cups and the secretary came in floating several trays of tea, scones, and biscuits and some coffee for Chloe.
They sat and ate and Lucifer found himself liking Widow Longbottom.
"You have your hands full, don't you Madame Minister." he said.
"Ah yes. There is so much to be done, and the last administration stole a lot, which the goblin nation has been very useful in returning to us. We take them for granted."
"The goblins have great honor. I have made them my allies." said Lucifer.
She nearly dropped her cup. "Ah you are wiser than we foolish magical humans. We treat them horribly and I don't know how to change our culture. We seem to spend a lot of time hating anyone different from us."
"Yes," said Lucifer, "The young man who greeted us in the lobby was sure we were muggles because I don't need a wand. He was very rude."
"I shall talk to him," she said sternly, and Lucifer gave a quick grin. She was a worthy punisher. The man was in for it. He smiled over at Maze and found she felt the same way. This woman did what was needed. She didn't enjoy punishing, but understood how to get people to obey or who no longer could be counted on to obey.
Chloe seemed to like the older woman too. "What can we do to help you, Madame Minister?" she asked. Mentally she told Lucifer she wanted to see if the woman would pay attention to a muggle.
The lady looked at Chloe with interest.
"First of all, I need to help our people survive. Many of our laws are completely idiotic and don't help. Then we need to know in what ways we have failed Mother Magic. I have learned what your Seer told the assembly at the school, and intend to place new laws against muggle baiting and against the killing or abandonment of squibs. I have been quite remiss in my own life in this arena," she said, suddenly looking sad.
"I have a grandson that I considered to be a squib. I didn't send him away, but I kept him away from others not of our family and constantly berated him for not being like his father. I realize now I failed him even though I love him."
Harry suddenly perked up and Lucifer could see his little brain spinning madly behind those green eyes. "I'm glad you didn't abandon him. I was abandoned by my relatives for being magical. Do you think he would like to meet us? I'd like to be his friend."
Lucifer felt warmth in his chest for a moment. Harry was such a loving child.
He turned to the older woman and saw her staring at him hopefully. "I would be delighted to meet with your grandson and ask him to visit with us in America. We are tutoring children in both magical and non-magical studies. Draco Black is now part of our family and he and Harry have been learning quite a bit. Perhaps he would feel more welcome in our household than at a school where such prejudice abounds."
"Yes," she said as though he'd given her a fortune, "He suffers from low self-esteem and thinks of himself as a squib, but he was invited to the school. Perhaps he should meet your boys and we'll see if they get along."
She gave him a tired smile, and he found himself warming more to this warrior. She was holding up the magical world of Britain by the skin of her teeth and her own stubborn will.
"My first suggestion to you is that you change your laws about dark magic. Dark magic and light magic are supposed to be used in tandem. The dark magic is for battle, protection, fertility of the earth and healing. Light magic can do much of the same, but when used in tandem in a group, the magic multiplies. Light magic does smaller spells and lot more of them, but cannot do the heavier spells."
"But to my knowledge, no one does that at all, except perhaps bonded couples or friends."
"I will give a few lessons then," said Lucifer. "Tonight when I give my lessons."
"But what about the need for blood?"
"Ah," said Lucifer, "The blood that is used from time to time in dark magic is meant to always be willing, given out of love, or duty to the group. Sacrifices of sentient beings is a travesty and warps the magic and the luck of those using it is negatively impacted. You might save lives, but at a terrible cost. Warriors who fight and bleed, can use the blood given as a sacrifice to strengthen and heal their wounds and empower battle spells. Warriors that die for those they protect on the battle field have the option of giving themselves for the protection of others."
He sighed somewhat sadly. You are supposed to care for all creatures of the earth, whether they have magic or not and to bless the earth itself. You seem to have forgotten a lot of basics. Also, children should be taught wandless magic. Wands are for detail work when your magical cores are fully grown, and not until then or your magic is crippled partially so it's difficult to learn wandless and silent magic. I notice none of you use staffs, which indicates you don't store magic in them. That is a great source of magic for emergencies. Each community should have wise men with staffs saving up magic for protection of their communities."
"It looks like we have lost the wrong traditions." she muttered, "Dumbledore was trying to destroy all those pureblood traditions and teach the children non-magical ways. He actually brought down our level of teaching."
Lucifer felt rare rage firing within him. "That man used children as pawns. He also seemed to be destructive of initiative in any one. He just had to be the one in control."
"Yes," said Madame Longbottom, "He destroyed many a young life, it turns out. He deliberately kept near squibs from a magical education, and lied to the children about jobs available to them in the magical world, and did nothing to provide employment, so we had many an embittered magical living on the streets and suffering to get an education in the non-magical world to earn their bread. He's very lucky he died."
Maze smiled.
"I have more questions." said the Minister of Magic, "we use creatures that suck souls out of them to do executions and also to guard our prison. Those in prison often die young because of that. I've often thought it was cruel and unusual to use the creature and that they should be destroyed."
"OH my DAD," exclaimed Lucifer, "Those creatures are abominations. I won't even use them in hell on the damned. They must be destroyed. Your government has no choice in this matter. Dementors upset the balance of nature and of magic. One of my purposes is to destroy them. They are enemies of life."
Maze stood up and began to walk back and forth in agitation. "Those creatures are immediately destroyed if they find a way into hell. Demons at war with one another will immediately join together to destroy them. Your instincts are good, my Lady."
"I'll be back in a moment," said Lucifer, standing suddenly.
Amenadiel and KynKyn stood as well, "We'll help you brother," both said and Lucifer gave both angels a smile of approval.
Sudden 3 sets of wings unfurled and they were gone.
Chloe smiled at Madame Longbottom. "They should be back in a few moments."
"Why couldn't I go?" asked Maze woefully.
"Because when dealing with magical enemies, you stay with me and Mum if Dad and the angels leave us. Protocol." said Harry rather proudly.
"Poo!" said Maze and sat down, grabbing a few biscuits and munching disconsolately.
"Are they actually destroying those monsters right now?" asked Madame Longbottom. "Are you sure they will be all right. We know of no way to destroy them ourselves."
Maze grinned at her, "We know how."
Cletus looked interested, "you know in the states, we have imprisoned the monsters but could use help in destroying them."
Maze smiled at him, "I'm sure Lord Morningstar will love to help."
Narcissa said in her soft voice, "Madam, do you think we should contact the prison so they understand what is happening?"
"Yes," said Madame Longbottom and she wrote several hasty memo's which she sealed magically and turned into paper birds which then went flying. She then called a turkey vulture and gave it a memo and sent it flying. Harry watched with interest.
"Can we try that at home?" he asked his mother.
"I don't see why not. You can send notes downstairs to Draco and his Mother and to Mrs. Edwards. Just don't send them into the Lux."
Then suddenly three angels stood there, glowing. All three of them unfurled their wings, and took their former seats.
"That was awesome," said KynKyn, "I never blew anything up before."
"You did a wonderful job," said Amenadiel.
"I'm very proud of my baby sister," said Lucifer, smiling.
Lucifer turned to Madame Longbottom. "The dementers are all gone," he reported. "The gentlemen running the prison were upset, but I explained the matter to them. You might consider hiring goblins as guards now. They are honorable workers and warriors."
"That is a good idea. We're still trying to figure out where my predecessor put some of our funding. I should ask the Goblins for help in auditing accounts, and authorize them to audit non-goblin accounts too."
Lucifer looked at her quietly for a moment. "If your government needs a loan, I can float you for 10 million gallons. I will charge you only 1% simple interest and will expect a favor from the current government at whatever time I choose."
Madame Longbottom gave him a glorious smile. "Lord Morningstar, you have no idea what that will mean for us until we get back on our feet. Auditing the school alone has been horrendous. Dumbledore stole millions of gallons for his little militia, Order of the Phoenix, and to line his own pocket. The last Minister cut back on the auror's funding and stole that money and much more, and he and Dumbledore made laws making it almost impossible for aurors to fight deatheaters. They actually are not allowed to use fatal spells. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Sir."
Lucifer smiled at his wife, and picked up his cell phone.
"Oh Dear," said Madame Longbottom, "I'm afraid those don't work with magical ambience."
"Harry and I developed shielding wards on them, so they work even in non-satellite areas."
"Really?" said Madame Longbottom, "They must be very powerful tools."
Lucifer called his bank contacts to arrange the loan.
Harry got a sudden gleam in his eye. "Madame Minister," he said, after standing and bowing, "What if I were to supply you with these types of instruments for yourself, your department heads and all your aurors? I could set up a magical network and it would provide you instant communication with people who work for you, and help protect the aurors as well."
"At what cost?' asked the Minister, smiling kindly at Harry. She thought this meeting would cause her problems, instead it was turning into salvation for several issues.
"A charge for each unit and a monthly charge for the service."
Harry glanced over and saw him Father and Mother practically glowing with pride at him.
"I will provide a listing of names, and expect you to give me a quotation for both the units and the monthly service. If it meets our budgeting requirement, you will have started a new trend in communication for our world. We will need training as well."
Harry grinned. "I can provide training, my business partner, Draco Black, and I both will handle that."
Narcissa started to smile.
"That reminds me," said Lucifer, still smiling at his son. "I notice that the wards at Hogwarts are damaged, as are the wards at the prison. Even the wards here have some difficult gaps. My son and I could provide you with an audit of your ward situation as well as place new wards at your discretion."
Headmaster Flitwick made a happy noise.
"That would be lovely. Can you provide me with a work quotation for the audit?"
"We can have it done in a few days," said Lucifer.
"I have invited all your department heads, employees, aurors and everyone at the school to my lecture tonight. Their port keys will take them to the grounds of Hogwarts. Seating and snacks will be provided."
Harry's eyes popped open, and his Dad shook his head at him slightly.
"Dobby," he mouthed silently.
Harry grinned. Even he wasn't up to baking for thousands of guests. Dobby however would be delighted.
"My lady," said Lucifer, "you have been a refreshing delight to meet. I was most put out with the old administration. I have one more thing to discuss that may prove difficult. I intended magic to be equal but different between different magical species. All magical beings should be treated the same under law, including the goblins, elves, giants, centaurs, dragons, and pixies."
"Really?" said Lady Longbottom, "but they all have such different, wait dragons are intelligent?"
"Oh my Dad, how did you not notice?" said Lucifer, "any parsel speaker can communicate with them."
"Oh, that would be a problem. We consider parselmouths to be dark and they hide their abilities. Another stupid mistake." The lady looked upset. "Your friends the goblins keep dragons as slaves. You may have to discuss this with them."
"OH YES," said Lucifer, surprised and upset. So far the goblins had shown great honor. He would have to bring this to their attention.
"And we harvest the creatures for parts," Lady Longbottom muttered, "I will have to contact the reservations for dragons and see if we can find some parsel-tongues to help work this out."
"I can help," said Harry, already worried about the poor dragons.
"My son is a parsel tongue," said Lucifer, "as am I actually. I speak all sentient languages." Then he looked a little put out, "but I don't read and write in all of them."
Madame Longbottom looked happy, "My goodness, the House of Morningstar has much to recommend it. Are you sure you want to meet my grandson? His only interest appears to be herbology. He loves plants."
"We're sure," said Lucifer. "Where are his parents?" he asked gently, as he noted that she had only mentioned her son.
A look of sorrow briefly settled over her features, "His parents were tortured to insanity by use of the spell crucio and are in Saint Mungo's being cared for. They are non-respondent."
"I'm so sorry," said Chloe. "That is horrible."
Madam Longbottom smiled at her. "I no longer hope for healing, but I visit them weekly. I am trying to provide more funding for research at Saint Mungos. It may save others but I don't think we can help my son or his wife."
"Your grandson will be most welcome in our home," said Chloe. "What is his name?"
"Neville," said Minister Longbottom, "I think he will like all of you."
"When can we meet him?" asked Harry eagerly.
"I will have one our house elves pop him over right now," responded the lady. She called a name softly, and a very well dressed and happy little elf popped into the room and dropped a curtsy. Lucifer smiled. It was obvious that this elf was well treated and cared for.
"Bring my grandson, please," she asked and was rewarded with another curtsy and a pop.
Then the tiny elf returned with a pudgy shy looking boy. He looked terrified, but was very polite and bowed to those assembled there."
Harry stood and bowed to him and then went forward and shook his hand. "My name is Harry Morningstar, and your Grandmother says you can come and visit with us this weekend if you like. I would like to be friends."
The boy's face relaxed and he smiled. "Thank you. I would like to be your friend."
"Please," said Harry, his eyes shining, "Let me introduce you to my Dad and Mum and the rest of the family."
Neville's eyes popped open when he shook hands with Lucifer Morningstar, but he bowed politely. He was gently hugged by both Chloe and Narcissa and then met everyone else.
"Could Neville and I talk together?" asked Harry politely, obviously ready to start making friends.
"Yes," said Madame Longbottom. "My secretary will take you to the tea shop with an auror for your protection."
"I can go too," said Maze. "I don't need an auror. I am his bodyguard."
"Thank you Mazikeen," said Lucifer.
They left the room, and Madame Longbottom said, "I can see they already are starting to like one another. Neville has had few friends. This will be wonderful for him."
She turned to Lucifer, "My hope today is that you will come back at our next law-making session and help me putting through our first laws, which will provide protections for all those we have called creatures, and will also protect magic as it was meant to be."
Lucifer stood up and shook her hand, "I will, Madame,"
"I would like to take you on a tour of the Ministry of Magic, to have you meet the department heads. It will give you an idea of our culture. They aren't expecting this, so I should learn a few things as well," she gave Lucifer an evil smile and he smirked back.
So they went from department to department. The young man at the reception desk was graciously and in a lady-like fashion, ripped up one side and down the other by esteemed older lady and he solemnly apologized for his actions, while sweating in terror.
"Maze will be sorry to miss this," said Lucifer to Chloe. She smirked too.
"Now, I understand you are of the opinion that I don't want to speak to non magicals and that you have decided this for me." Said Madame Longbottom, "Is this true?"
The man looked like he was going to faint, "Er, well in the past, I was told it was an insult to let a muggle, er non-magical into the presence of our Minister of Magic; indeed to let anyone but one of pure magical blood was deeply offensive," he stuttered.
"Well, that has changed. If a centaur, or werewolf, or vampire, or any other creature, including any non magical being of any type comes to you saying they have a meeting with me, you can check with me as you would for any guest, not make broad statements indicating anything else. Do you understand?" she asked
The man nodded, still shaking.
"Very well, let us go to the department of transportation. I'm sure they'll be pleased to see us."
They went to a huge hallway filled with fireplaces, and a long wooden counter manned by both male and female clerks, who were in a huddle chatting and laughing. No one came to greet them, and Madame Longbottom stood and stared at all the workers at the counter. Finally, she walked up to the counter and tapped it with one finger. Someone looked over their shoulder, gave a jerk and rushed to the desk. "Madame, you honor us with your presence," the man said.
"You will all honor me with your absence. You are fired."
"But, but, but.." said the man.
"Yes, you are a wellspring of literary expertise. Leave."
"Who will you find to take our place?" asked one woman haughtily.
"I'll hire muggle born or werewolves before I hire any of you back," said Madame Longbottom. She made a silent gesture with her wand, and the entire group turned into chickens and were blown out of the building by a wind.
Then an overworked looking girl with her arms filled with files rushed into the room. "Oh, Madame Longbottom, did I keep you waiting?" she asked humbly.
"No, I was busy with other things," said the lady, "Who are you my dear?"
"Oh I'm no one," said the girl in a modest voice, "I work for the clerks, who must have all stepped out for lunch. But I can be of service." She finished brightly.
"You are now in charge of this department," said Madame Longbottom.
The girl looked shocked, "Madame, I would be delighted, but you should know that I'm a muggle born and not really considered a proper person to work at the Ministry."
"You are now," said Madam Longbottom. She walked to a large and ornate door and tapped it with her wand. The door swept open and a large ostentatious man came out. He saw the girl at the counter and said, "You little miserable chit, how dare you allow me to be bothered."
Madame Longbottom looked at the man and turned him into a chicken. "You're fired and you're lucky we don't have fried chicken on the menu. This so-called miserable little chit is taking your place and will hire people who will actually work."
The man was swept into a miniature tornado and disappeared.
It was the most fun Lucifer had ever had on a tour.
Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry
The two boys sat at a table with Maze watching over them and the secretary went to get them some tea.
Harry grinned. "Do you know Draco Black, who used to be Draco Malfoy?"
"I've met him a few times, but Gran doesn't have me go to many events. I hear his father lost his magic for attacking, well, attacking your father and you, and Draco tried to save you."
"Yes. He is now under protection of our house. He's trying very hard to be nothing like his Father," said Harry. "Would you mind trying to be friends with him too? I like him. He's helping me in my restaurant."
"You have a restaurant?" asked Neville.
"It's a little one, sort of bistro, and it's only open on Saturday and Sundays for breakfast and lunch. I cook most of the food, but Draco is learning and helping me, and we're the waiters. We take the money, we serve the food, and we make the menus. And all the money we make goes half into the business and half into buying food for the homeless, which we make in the kitchen and then take out to some of the homeless encampments in Los Angeles. Dad helped me set it up and we're really learning a lot about business and food and having fun."
"Wow," said Neville. "Do you grow any of your food?"
"No," said Harry, "although we have one large empty floor we could use as a plant nursery to grow greens and stuff."
"I have two greenhouses and we sell medicinal magical plants for potion from them," said Neville.
Harry was impressed. "Wow, that's wicked. I used to keep the garden for my aunt, and I grew food too. Sometimes I snuck vegetables and ate them," said Harry.
"Neville smiled, "I like them fresh from the…." Suddenly he looked really sad, "You didn't eat it because it was fresh. You ate it because you were hungry. You were abused, weren't you."
"Yeah, they didn't like magic."
Neville shook his head, "we should have traded places, I'm practically a squib, and you have lots of magic. Gran would have been proud and your relatives would have liked me."
Harry stared at him. "How can you say you're a squib?" he asked. "I can feel and see magic and you have tons of it. Who told you that you have little magic?"
Now Neville stared, "You can see magic? My Uncle Algie nearly killed me a bunch of times for not showing accidental magic. One time he dropped me out of an upstairs window and I bounced, so I'm not really a squib. Everyone was so happy."
"Your Uncle is a jerk and an abuser," said Harry. "And they should have thrown him in jail for attempted murder. Does your Gran know?"
Neville thought about it, "You know, I don't think she did. Uncle Algie never told her when he did things, only that I had no magic. He was always complaining that I dishonored her house and my house with me being a stupid squib."
Maze had been silently hanging about, not appearing to listen. Suddenly she slammed her hand on the table and startled both boys. "Neville Longbottom, I am Mazikeen of the Lillim and I have no human magic in me, I am a demon who was forged in the bowels of hell. However, I can tell you that we demons can smell the magic in people and you have as much as my little Master Harry, which is considerable. So if you would like, I would love to have a chat with your stupid muggle and squib hating Uncle and let him know what demons can do to those who abuse children."
Neville looked like he might faint, but slowly recovered, while Harry wondered if he could turn the man into a large cockroach, or if it would greatly bother Madam Longbottom whom he really liked. Then Neville giggled, "That would be funny to see Uncle Algie trying to explain himself to you, Lady Maze. But it won't change him."
"Then I would be greatly honored to teach you on weekend evenings with Harry and Trixie and even Draco about hand to hand combat, which has nothing of magic, but can defeat your enemies and strengthen your body."
Neville's eyes got big, "Really, my Lady, you would teach me?"
"Love to," said Maze, and looked very pleased at the boy.
"Heck yes!" said Neville, and he grinned from ear to ear. Maze and Harry smiled at him and Lady Longbottom's secretary, who was a muggle born whose parents were both squibs, smiled at the group and decided to have a conversation with the Minister of Magic. She liked Neville and hadn't known how his uncle treated the boy.