Demon!AU, warning for swearing.


"I never loved you, and I never will."

The words strike a heavy blow and Remus stumbles back.

"It was always a ruse," Lucius says, a soft, poisonous edge to his voice. "I just needed your soul. You would only let me take it if I earned your trust. Somehow, you fell in love with me. And you know the oldest rule in the book."

"Never fall in love with a demon," Remus murmurs, feeling emotion welling up in his chest. He knew that this had been inevitable, but he'd expected it to be a clean break.

"Yes," Lucius agrees. "One way or another, you had to learn your lesson."

Why had he agreed to this in the first place? His head starts spinning and his knees shake. He sinks to the ground.

He hears the sound of boots approaching, then Lucius kneels next to him, tipping up his head with a slender finger. Normally, the motion would send a rush of warmth coursing through him. Now, all he feels is cold. Nothing but a chill creeping through his body.

Illusions, he thinks hazily. Always illusions. Never the naked truth.

"I'm terribly sorry, Remus," Lucius murmurs, fingers traveling down to his heart and flattening his palm against it. "It was —"

"Hands off, asshole."

But it's not Remus who says the words. No, it's the man standing behind Lucius; Remus can see him over Lucius' shoulder. He knocks away Lucius' hand and stands up. Lucius also rises and spins around to face Remus' guest.

"Black," he says, disgust plain in his tone, and Remus edges out from behind and goes to Sirius' side.

Sirius ignores Lucius entirely, turning to Remus with an expression of concern. "Are you okay?" he asks gently, eyes running up and down the length of Remus' body. "He didn't hurt you, did he? Because I swear, if he laid a finger on you…"

"I'm fine," Remus assures him, resting a hand briefly on Sirius' shoulder. Both of them face Lucius, who is glancing between them and looking utterly confused. It provides some measure of satisfaction to Remus.

"What —"

"Meet my real boyfriend," Remus says, lips twisting into a grin. "Well, not my boyfriend, per se, he's still too chicken to pop the question, but you weren't the only one playing this game."

"You —"

"You're an ass, Malfoy," says Sirius, lifting his chin. "And clearly, an incompetent demon. How did you not recognize the protection spell I had cast over him? It had my signature all over it."

"I —"

"You're very, very lucky," Sirius continues as if he can't see Lucius attempting to get a word in. "If you'd hurt a single hair on his body, I would've been here in an instant and kicked your pathetic ass out of both realms."

"Will you let me speak?" Lucius finally shouts. "You two...made a deal? Isn't that —?"

"Illegal? You forget who I am." Sirius points to the badge on his chest. "I can alter the rules however I like, since I'm the one who makes them."

Lucius looks utterly lost. Remus feels sorry for him. Almost.

"Now, if you'll come with me," says Sirius pleasantly, "I think we need to have a chat."


540 words

Auction 20.4 - "I never loved you, and I never will."

Assignment 4, Magical Languages Task #4 Alt: Demon!AU

Back to School - 5. (word) Lesson