The Devil as a Father – Chapter 27

Chloe Morningstar woke up alone, well not exactly. It was true that Trixie was snuggled next to her but Lucifer, Harry and her little ones were missing. Lucifer was taking care of dragons and goblin issues, and she missed him horribly. And then, where were her little ones? She sat up in bed and realized she had overslept. She got out of bed, threw on a robe and walked into the kitchen. Trixie behind her sat up and yawned.

Mrs. Edwards was taking muffins out of the oven, and Harry was frying bacon and making pancakes. The little ones were watching this with great interest. Draco's mother was making cheesey omelets and Draco was using a juicer to make orange juice. Neville was frying tomatoes, an English custom they had picked up. Everyone smiled at her. "Lucifer is helping some dragons but should be home today," she explained to them and they all sat for a lovely breakfast with the little ones digging in with gusto. After everything was cleaned up, she spent time learning what the children liked and taught them about the non-magic world, about stoves, refrigerators, lights, bathrooms, and many of the other things they would need to know. Trixie and Harry took them on a house tour. She called Dr. Linda and discussed things she could do to help while they were exploring. She knew it would have been different if KynKyn had not used angelic healing on the children, both physically and mentally but they would still have a lot of work to do to help them recover.

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Lucifer woke up curled up next to Chain Breaker, so he was nice and warm, but it was not as comfortable as his bed, and he missed Chloe, Harry and even his newest family members. He sat up and said, "Darlings, do we want to go and get some more spiders to cook or do you want to fly first?"

Beauty sat up promptly and kissed him delicately for something the same size as a passenger jet, and said, "Flying! Will you fly with us?"

Lucifer stood and stretched and did convenient magic to clean up. He did so like to be presentable. He unfurled his wings and said, "Yes, let's fly."

They spent an hour exploring the mountains and then went back to the great door that led into the Goblin's bank and territory. He knocked politely and a goblin guard answered and looked relieved to see them.

"The children here want to continue guarding, so would like to make agreements with you for food and time off.

Soon the King and several dragon handlers came and respectfully discussed what the dragons wanted. The goblins explained that because of what they had done, unknowingly, they were making a vault for the dragons, and filling it with pay for them for all their years of servitude, at the normal rate for expert guards.

Lucifer saw the dragons perk up at the word expert, before he formally translated. "You know what they are saying, don't you?" he said conversationally.

Beauty giggled, and said, "Yes, Daddy Lucifer. We usually understand most of the mas' I mean goblins speech. But they cannot understand us, which is sad."

Lucifer looked down at his pristine outfit and thought of the advantages of magic. "I am going to make a device to translate for you and even them, according to the tongue used."

"Oooh good idea!" she cooed. Chain Breaker spoke up, "Very wise and good of you, Daddy Lucifer. You don't mind we call you Daddy?" was next question asked very shyly and a little anxiously.

"I actually like being called Daddy," said Lucifer, "You are all dear to me and make me miss my nestlings at home."

"The goblins look worried," said Beauty thoughtfully, "We should tell them that we are pleased and want to hire them to buy us food. We want to continue to work and would like fresh meat as much as possible instead of money, but the excess money can be put in our vault. We want a better sleeping schedule and medical care, and days off for flying and hunting."

"I think you have been listening very well, Darling," remarked Lucifer. Chain Breaker was a good leader, but Beauty was sharp as nails.

He related what the dragons wanted, and explained that they wanted the clackers given to them to burn up. They hated those things. The goblins agreed immediately and discussed how much food they would need and the running price for different types of foods, such as pigs, sheep and cows.

The goblins were amazed that the dragons could do mental math and were picky about receiving mutton with the wool attached. Apparently it got stuck in their teeth and was unpleasant to them.

They nailed down the agreement verbally and both groups swore to keep their word. Lucifer promised to have Harry come and translate any plans for a written contract into parselmouth writing for the dragons. Apparently, they were born knowing how to read and write in parselmouth. The goblins were impressed by this and even more upset that they had enslaved a sentient species.

Lucifer discussed writing directional signs in Dragon as well as Goblin language and all the goblins thought that was a good idea.

Then a new group of goblins appeared, an obvious entourage to an elderly and well-dressed lady goblin who walked forward and stared at the dragons. Then her eyes filled with tears. "I have lived all these many years with the stain of slavery on my honor," she said softly.

Beauty came over and put her great head down next to the elder goblin and nuzzled her. Surprised, she looked up and saw that Beauty was looking at her with compassion. Beauty spoke to her and the elder looked at Lucifer, "Dear Father of our nation, what does she say?"

Lucifer looked at Beauty and then came over and hugged the elder, "The dragon is named Beauty, she is their queen, although they don't know it yet. She says knowing that you care wipes the stains from her heart."

Now goblins are a tough people, especially around humans. So having many of the goblins burst into tears at this statement, would have been an extreme shock. However, Lucifer wasn't really a human, just a poor devil, and he was touched. Several goblins came forward and shyly started to hug Beauty and then the other dragons, who were a little startled at first, but then really liked it and began to make pleased noises and nuzzle gently at the goblins.

Lucifer remarked at the king, "If this had been magical humans, many of them would have thought only of lost profit, or wanted to kill them to hide their shame. Fortunately, some of them do show honor or I would have taken the gift from them. Indeed, I have stripped magics from many of the worst I have met. I am so proud of you, my friend."

Then he turned to the dragons and began to speak. He didn't often do anything but snap his fingers for magic, but this was a spell for translation. A huge golden nugget studded with various gems came up slowly from the earth like a tiny golden volcano rising and he spoke further to it and did spells in both languages.

The goblins and dragons sat with each other and watched with interest.

Lucifer turned to the group and smiled, "This is a translation device. When you want to speak to one another, you will understand each other's language. It won't help with writing, only speech. Please test it out by tapping it."

Beauty came forward and said, "This device is beautiful. You have made it of things that dragons and goblins both appreciate. You make me remember that we have much in common. We love caves deep in the earth, and treasures like this."

The goblins got excited and the elder woman came forward, "We are a fierce people, but our honor is the greatest treasure we possess. You have given us back our honor today and you are now part of our nation. As Lucifer is our father, you are our brothers and sisters, so mote it be."

The dragons bugled in excitement. The goblins cheered.

Lucifer grinned.

"Now I must return to my own nest, Darlings," he said and heard the device translate his parselmouth into the goblin's tongue. "I shall be back to visit and bring some of my nestlings to meet you."

He waved goodbye and popped home.

The penthouse appeared quiet, but the concentration of magic and his own superior hell-honed senses told him different. He walked toward the kitchen and waited.

There was a squeal and he was attacked by small bodies! But it wasn't a tickle attack, it was a greeting.

Rose grabbed one leg and Daffodil got the other and he was hugged with enthusiasm. "I missed you, little ones," he said softly. Then Octy and Lee ran out of Harry's room and Harry and Draco followed.

Lucifer spent a full five minutes of greeting various members of his household. "Where is Neville?" he asked. "He is with my mother in the greenhouse floor," said Draco. "The spices and herbs are coming along and they are now planting magical plants for potions class. There is a fertility spell that witches do that she wanted to use to bless everything and she's showing him the way to lay the plants out for the spell."

"How lovely," said Lucifer. Then soft arms went around his chest and he was kiss attacked by Chloe, who was enthusiastic and happy to see him. "We are taking the little ones to shop for clothing and toys. I want you, Draco and Narcissa to come because you are so good with fashion," she said.

"We also have to prepare a new room for Hermione Granger. She'll be here in two days," she reminded him. Then she kissed him again and Lucifer realized he had missed his wife in more than one way. He sent Dan a mental call. "Dan," his voice whispered, and Dan answered immediately, "Everything OK?"

"Yes. I just wondered if you could take ALL the children into your room for 2 hours so I could properly greet my wife?"

He could feel Dan smiling, "You bet – I'm going to introduce them all to Star Wars."

"Thank you my friend. I appreciate it."

"No problem, I've been a little worried you both weren't getting enough down time."

He mentally called the rest of the children and Patrick and requested that the elevator to his floor be in lock down and had the children ready to run off to be with Dan. But first, he turned to the little ones and said, "I will go shopping, but would you mind if I spent some Mommy and Daddy time with Chloe?" He looked at them assembled children with pathetic puppy dog eyes.

Harry smiled at him and Trixie giggled.

"You are invited to Uncle Dan's to watch a movie that many of you have never seen, called 'Star Wars." It is incredibly fun."

The children were all up for fun with Uncle Dan and he and Chloe magically made sure everyone was safe in his apartment before he turned to his wife, who was smiling at him.

"My darling queen, could we adjourn to the, oof!"

Chloe jumped into his arms and kissed him and then said, "Yes."

Whereupon several hours were spent with his dear queen.

XXX

Chloe was sleeping with a sweet smile on her face and Lucifer started to wonder how Dan was handling the horde of little ones. He sent out a tendril of thought and realized they were all still in Dan's apartment with their pets. He smiled and popped in front of Dan's door and gave a friendly tap.

"Come in," he heard, and he opened the door. There on the couch were his two own children, one under each of Dan's arms. On his head rested Goldie, who was apparently asleep. On Dan's lap paying attention to the screen, was Aradia, who mind called, "Daddy Lucifer, we ate popcorn and candy, AND are watching Star Wars."

The four newest children were silently watching enthralled, while Daffodil was hugging one of Dan's legs and Oxy was hugging the other. Their eyes were wide and glowing with excitement. Harry and Trixie were both staring at the screen with fascination. On the floor Draco sharing a bowl of popcorn with Lee and Rose, while Neville was drinking one of his beloved fizzy drinks and leaning against Oxy and his head was touching Dan's leg too. Lucifer noticed that Neville liked being with Dan and felt safe with him. Finding out he was a no-mag auror had impressed the youngster.

"Take a seat," said Dan. "Trixie can you get Daddy Lucifer a can of beer or some pop."

Lucifer sat on the couch, next to Harry, where there was more room.

"Dad, do you think we could make magic light sabers?" asked Harry rather plaintively.

"And if we can, I want them to make the same cool noises!" said Trixie rather enthusiastically as she handed Lucifer one of the few beers he really liked, a dark lager from Norway.

He looked over and saw Dan rolling his eyes in amusement. "Since the light sabers are very dangerous weapons, I think any experimentation should be put off," said Dan with a gentle smile. "Your Mum would have a cow if you hurt even a finger, and those things chop off heads and arms and legs."

"Phooey," said Harry distinctly. Trixie grumbled but also snuggled in close to her Dad and continued watching. Draco turned around and gave Lucifer a look that said they were all enthralled with Star Wars and he would have to make sure Trixie or Harry didn't put runes of fire on any magic-made swords.

Lucifer had watched Star Wars before, but still found the fight scenes and imaginative space battles interesting.

"Maybe next year for Halloween, we can dress as Jedi's. If we do, I can make you a non-lethal light saber, which will be cleared with your Mother first."

Dan smiled and nodded ever so slightly, "Yeah, your Dad knows best, believe me."

"That would be fun." commented Harry, and snuggled his Dad.

"They sell plastic ones that make the noises that you can play with to practice the Jedi and Sith moves," said Dan and looked at Lucifer.

Lucifer nodded to him, Dad to Dad, and both men knew they would be buying some overpriced plastic for their various family members.

Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry Lucifer Harry

The Bentley was now filled with tiny people in car seats, Lucifer, Narcissa and Chloe. While Harry was happy about buying things for the kids, he had plenty to keep him busy at home. Draco however, was in the back with the little ones discussing colors that would best suit their complexions. Lee spoke up. "You don't have to buy me much, just something to learn in."

Chloe turned around and smiled at him, "But we love you and want to get you nice things. Will that be okay with you?"

"You are really nice," said the little boy softly, "But I don't understand why you like me. My family didn't want me even when they thought I had magic."

Lucifer pulled over and parked in front of a mall. Both he and Chloe took Lee in their arms and hugged him a long time. "I love you," whispered Chloe, "I don't care about your magic. I care about you, little one."

"And I feel the same," said Lucifer. "Your parents were fools. You are a treasure, a wonderful treasure and I feel rich having you as my child."

"Please don't send me away," said Lee softly, "Not ever. I want to stay with you and have you be my parents."

"Oh Darling, that is wonderful," said Lucifer. "We want to adopt you very much but we didn't want you to feel like we were the only choice, or feel bad because Chloe doesn't understand her magic yet."

Lee came back to the car and his waiting friends with a look of joy. "They really want us," he said, "They want to adopt us but were afraid we would want someone else."

"I wanna be adopted then," said Octy, "I love you both and everybody really. I want to be family with all of you, and Cousins Narcissa and Draco too." Daffodil and Rose both agreed and squealed with excitement.

Narcissa blushed, Chloe's face shone and Lucifer had a tear in one eye. It was a very sweet shopping trip thereafter and Lucifer purchased suits for the boys as well as formal wear for the girls, while Narcissa and Chloe got them appropriate play clothing and school clothing and plain PJ's because Lucifer was going to place animated figures on them when they got home. Swim suits and jackets and shoes were also purchased to match. The people at the store were astonished at lucifer's ability to shop and also half in love with the whole family and the little ones, and Draco was excited that they considered him and his dear Mother as cousins to be an asset in the adoption. Narcissa watched Lucifer carry more bags than she had ever seen before in one shopping trip out of the store and then shrink them and pop them to the penthouse.

"I am going to write to your Aunt Andromeda and ask them to visit," she said to Draco. "Family is important, and we don't have to be afraid of Lucius hurting us."

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Hermione Grainger waited with her Mom and Dad for the clock to hit 10:00 a.m.

Then suddenly the handsome man she knew as Lucifer was standing in her living room with a big smile. "Miss Grainger, we are really excited you are coming to visit. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, Sir," she said bobbing a polite curtsy. Lucifer bowed back and then smiled at her parents. "Dr. and Dr. Grainger, it is a pleasure to meet you. My wife was most impressed with you and wants me to give you these rings." He handed them both lovely silver rings. "You merely have to will it and you will be able to talk to me or Chloe and tell us if you want to visit Hermione. Then we will make the rings bring you here. Also, if you ever feel threatened, tell the rings and they will automatically rescue you and bring you to the Lux, where you will be most welcomed."

"My goodness, Lord Morningstar, said Hermione's Mom, "You certainly are going all out to see that we are taken care of. Thank you."

Lucifer smiled and said, "I am pleased to do anything to keep new friends safe. Now if Miss Grainger is ready I will transport her and her trunk to America. Oh, and if you want to call her…" he pulled out a box from out of nowhere, and handed two phones to the Graingers and one to Hermione." This is so you can call each other at no charge. These devices are powered by magic."

Hermione's curiosity was immediately engaged, "Are these the phones that Harry wants to sell to the Ministry?" she asked.

"These are prototypes that I use, but Harry, Draco and Neville are doing market studies, and analyses and writing up business plans and having a great deal of fun. Now kiss your parents goodbye, and we'll be going." Hermione hugged her Mom and Dad and kissed them and hugged them again. Lucifer smiled and held out his arm and Hermione curled her arm with his and there was a gentle pop and she was standing in a huge room.

There was a crowd of a lot of new people and a big magical banner that said, "Welcome Hermione Grainger" on it in big letters and had unicorns and books with wings flying about on it. Hermione felt herself tear up. What a wonderful welcome. Harry was standing with Draco, and Neville, whom she had met before, was shyly standing behind them and looking at her with hopeful eyes.

There were 4 little children, probably 4 or 5 years old there with Mrs. Morningstar and Mrs. Malfoy. She grinned and raced forward and gave the boys careful handshakes of greeting. Then she ran to Mrs. Morningstar and gave her a hug and was taken into Mrs. Malfoy's arms for another hug. "Thank you for this," she whispered.

She was escorted to another floor which was the main living quarters. She had a bedroom next to Trixie's, who she had talked to already, and was excited to see it was full of books, many of which she hadn't read yet.

"Now Darling," said Mr. Morningstar, "Let's eat together and we'll go over your class records and what you want to learn. We use tutors, and you'll meet some of them at what will be lunch for you and dinner for us. We have made a potion that should take care of the time zone changes for you so you will get enough sleep and your internal clock won't be disrupted by being here."

Hermione looked at him, and thought, this angel man is really smart. I hope he likes me.

"What about muggle studies?" she asked.

Draco suddenly made dramatic gestures, "You are doomed Hermione Granger. We have to study magical and non-magical subjects!" He threw his hand over his forehead and pretended to swoon.

Hermione started to giggle, "Actually that is a good idea. Think what might happen if no-mag science helps along magical spells?"

Draco looked interested.

They ate and discussed cell phones and cell phone applications. Hermione couldn't figure out how to make magical applications and was worried about it impacting their new business. Harry looked thoughtful and then said, "Let's use magic and math together to program the applications with math. We'll bespell an application for tracking first and then see what its mathematic value is and go from there to arithmancy."

"Ohhh I want to help," said Trixie. "And we should do applications that police use, like GPS with maps, and scanning, and emergency information."

Harry had been ready to like Hermione even if she were rude, but he found himself liking her as a friend. She loved the idea of a business using no-mag science together with magical spells to help aurors and other members of the governing bodies, and jumped into it with both feet, making spreadsheets with lists of what a phone should have and what it shouldn't have and ideas for new things.

She also worked on exhaustive lists of applications that could be used for the aurors and wondered if magic could make a communications satellite, or two or three. His Dad looked thoughtful and said, that was an interesting idea, and maybe having a base on the moon would add to that. They all stared at him and wondered if it was grown-up kidding or a joke, but Lucifer seemed terribly serious about it.

"It would have to be invisible so no one without magic can find it," Hermione remarked just as thoughtfully, and his Dad looked pleased at that insight.

For just a second, no less than a second, Harry was a teeny tiny little bit jealous. But then he thought about his Dad's love of him and all they had done together and couldn't fault his Dad for approving of Hermione's thoughts. She was a very smart girl. "Maybe underground too," he said, and was rewarded with Hermione's eyes lighting up with pleasure. He grinned and then saw his Dad looking at him with pride and love and everything was fine. His place in the universe was set at the side of the biggest star, his Dad. They were a binary star system; him and Dad, shining at each other against the night.