As soon as headmaster was gone, ministry officials started coming into the atrium by floo network and he could feel that spell which was keeping him from moving disappeared. He didn't want to be captured because of his presence into center of ministry in time of little battle taking place a few rooms away and unconscious witch with after effects of one of the unforgivables only a few feet from him even Lord Malfoy wouldn't escape without hearing involved dose of Veritaserum which he preferred rather avoid. With silent crack he apparated without anyone noticing, leaving a mass of aurors to sort out that mess. He remembered aim of his mission gifted him personally from the Dark Lord, but at this exact moment he couldn't care less about any consequences.
He appeared in front of a Malfoy Manor's gate and started to rush to the main door not caring about keeping his Malfoy's posture. In that while anyone would say he wasn't acting like himself. His always elegant hair was now messed and the robe was floating behind him like at a strong wind. In not even a minute he reached door to the mansion and ignoring calls of the house elves and not bothering to take off his coat and shoes, rushed to the room he knew his wife like spending time at this late hour.
Woman sitting in the library was really beautiful. All her posture and face complexion was giving the impression of proper Lady and highly valued member of society, but everyone who knows her closer could tell that her eyes were dull, deprived of all emotions.
He stood at the door, leaning on its frame breathing heavily from his rush. Lady Malfoy looked up from the book she was reading at her husband. Seeing condition he was in her eyes widened a little and she overcame separating them distance in a hurry. "Something went wrong? Are you hurt?" she asked already checking him of any injuries but stopped immediately when at his face appeared smile and he closed her in tight embrace. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. She hasn't seen her husband really happy for nearly six years and wanted to know what caused this happiness.
"He's back. He's alive, Cissy!" he gently pushed her at arm's length to can look her in the eyes. She could see flashes of real joy and desperately feeling of hope in her husband's eyes, but still she didn't understand the reason of it. Then from the pocket of his coat her beloved took out some papers and gave her to read. After the lecture it didn't take her long to burst into tears laughing hysterically at the same moment.
She hugged the man standing in front of her and whispered. "Is it true? Please, tell me he's really alive..." her voice broken at the end of a sentence.
"I saw him. It was undoubtedly him and I swear we will have him safe and sound home again in no time. I will do everything to have him back with us, my dear." he answered tightening their embrace.
Lucius led their way to the nearest couch without breaking physical contact and they stayed like that for a long while cherishing this little moment of happiness and lost in their own thoughts.
"Tell me what happened at the Ministry." and he did. Starting from their arriving, destroyed room with properties, hidden chamber where he found the truth, a confrontation between their son and Bellatrix and Dumbledore's arrival. At the end he felt his throat tightening and guilt washing over him in thought that he couldn't protect his son. When he finished in the room once again there was silence.
"What does that mean? And this part when he was talking to Bella and mentioned Harry... I don't understand."
"It must be this spell Dumbledore used. It was as if chains were surrounding his magic and consciousness." he hesitated. He was acting like he had a dual personality and it was definitely effect of any spell but he resisted it. His consciousness was winning against it. It seemed as if he was fighting against himself." he signed with resignation. "I don't know how to describe it better."
"It's ok. We will make it out together. We have access to the most valuable libraries from most pureblood families. We just need to research it and we will find a solution." she told to slowly already make plans for their research.
"Of course, but firstly we need to bring him back. I won't have my son living where those bastards put him longer than necessary if I have anything to say." he added glaring coldly at the nearest wall, imagining consequences Dumbledore will meet when he will have his chance to revenge for his son's sake.
Next weeks they spend searching as much information as they could, but even with Lucius' high position at the ministry he couldn't get any of well protected information about Harry Potter. He tried many ways but any of them seemed to be successful. He was frustrated and desperate because from the moment they learned about their son as they made no progress and additionally they were arguing from time to time if telling Draco, who as summer holiday started was living with them in the manor would be a good idea.
From the moment he lost his brother, he has been blaming himself and becoming more and more closed at the people his parents included. He would not believe them at all or run from home to search his brother on his own. Naturally, he would know that he is acting unreasonably and it's a bad idea, but for his brother he would do anything.
Lucius was tired. His ideas ended and he couldn't think about another one than his last which he could admit wasn't the safest at all but was the only thing he could do at this moment, so he decided to confront his wife and tell her about his plan when he found her in the library surrounded by many ancient books about chaining spells.
"I can't find anything about his whereabouts not mentioning this spell Dumbledore used." he signed "I think it's time to tell Severus."
Her eyes widened. "You can't be serious! I know he's Draco's godfather and your friend, but we don't know where his loyalties lay anymore."
"I doubt he know this himself." he murmured, but after while smirked. "But he's the only one who have access to private information about students and I think I am capable of convince him to cooperation."
Seeing his firm smile she felt a little more convenient. "What sort of a dirty little secret do you know and want to use?"
He looked at her with an innocent face. "Why do you accusing me of some sort of blackmailing, my dear?"
She chuckled and kissed him chastely on the cheek. "Don't mess with him too much. Remember that after all he is your friend."
"I will be as gentle as possible. But you do understand that nothing will stop me from taking my son back, don't you? Even if it means a few Slytherin's tricks used against friends."
Her only reply was another chuckle and smirk.
He stepped out of the fireplace into the dark room lightened by a few candles. The room was dark without windows what as it was situated in the dungeons didn't really surprise. It was appointed with good taste in colors of dark green, black and silver as befits the head of Slytherin House. On the stone wall there were silver candelabras which with a little help of magic were lightening the room that difference from the lack of sunlight wasn't even visible.
At the desk there was sitting a man in black robes. He was in his mid-thirties. He had shoulder length black hair and if not looking at the scare atmosphere he was making around himself you could see aristocratic posture and traits in his looks. At the sound of activating of floo connection said the man looked up from his work to great his quest.
"Lucius, what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Lucius looked around and silently cast a few powerful wards that no one could overhear them. "I need you to tell me everything you know about Harry Potter."
The man stiffened. He narrowed his eyes and looked up from the cauldron. "Why this new interest in brat?"
Lucius stepped to his desk and the working man. He folded his arms and with a smirk and a voice with hint of threat informed. "On your place I would cooperate if my loyalties wave like yours does. And especially I would be polite and answer questions asked by the person who knows about your vow to protect Potter's child. So let me ask again: what do you know?" his voice was cold and little shiver went through professor's spine.
The atmosphere in the room tensed. He looked up to meet silver eyes carefully observing him and said through gritted teeth. "I can't tell you. You know how those vows work. I can't put boy in any danger even for the price of my own life." he ended bitterly.
Lucius caught a sign of resignation in his friend's posture and his eyes softened a little looking at this man who at all his powers for last years protected son of his school's enemy.
"I always believed and I still believe in Dark Lord's case, but you need to know that boy has now my full loyalties. It's the last thing I can do for Lily's sacrifice.." he continued.
"I wish no harm for neither of you. Nor do I want to take a boy or you to the Dark Lord for your betrayal." he waited some moment but not receiving any response added. "You will always be my friend, Severus. This is really important not in the matter of this war, but for my family. I will explain you this all just try to trust me."
Seeing firm look in his friend's eyes, he signed well knowing that if his friend wished him any harm he had enough evidence as well and slowly answered. "He is all like his father, arrogant, impudent and stubborn. He has no respect for authority and rules. He's friends with Weasley and Granger and from what I know lives with Muggles, but only Dumbledore knows exactly where. Now, tell me what's going on." He answers with annoyance and started bottling completed potion.
After a moment came the reply that launched a long moment of silence and broken vial.
"Harry Potter died 31.10.1981."
"What are you talking about? I saw him only a few weeks ago in the Ministry and then in the Hospital Wing after his little trip." he signed not believing any word of it and murmured waving his wand to clean mess on the floor. "You must saw him yourself. I bet you were there too."
"Do you have any fire whiskey? I think we both might need it."
Without another word, Severus conjured two glasses and a bottle full of spicy drink.
Lucius decided that when potions' master was enough honest to tell him his true loyalties he should at least be sincere with his friend as well and tell him the truth. And so he did. He told him everything he knew and at first Severus couldn't believe him, but eventually was convinced that everything he was told was true. Even if professor technically weren't a family member he always loved both of his friend's sons equally and treated them like his own children. At this very moment he wanted nothing more than to kill this bloody bastard Dumbledore and run to rescue his newly found child and make sure that he's again safe with them.
They were arguing for a little while because of their plans how to handle this situation, but eventually they came to realize that the best move now is to wait for good opportunities and at the time of waiting gain a little more information.
On the always unreadable face of the always bitter and insensible potion's master came a small smile at the thought that he has once again chance to have their the youngest one with them but then the realization hit him.
"He's going to hate me." he whispered with a clenched throat.
"I beg you pardon?" Lucas asked crestfallen.
"He and I... There at Hogwarts hadn't really get along pretty well last years you know." he signed and ducked his head. "I doubt he will ever talk to me again." he closed his eyes and leaned back in his armchair in salon where they moved in when their discussion seemed to lengthen.
Lucius ran his hand through his perfectly smoothed hair and added quietly. "I have done and said some terrible things to him too, but..." he groaned and it sounded so strange from always proud Malfoy to admit his mistakes and particular one he regretted the most in his life.
"What a father am I... I couldn't even protect my own son..." he whispered.
"Don't."
He looked up to meet black orbs with a fierce look and his eyes with his own asking silently for an explanation of this negation.
"I know what you are thinking right now. But you need to remember that you could do nothing. You can't blame yourself. Don't you see that it's exactly what this old man wanted when he let you keep your memories of that night? Don't you ever dare to give up, do you understand me? He wanted to see your hope and being so convinced with his precautions, thought that you have no chance to prove anyone your rights and succeed. He made the biggest mistake. We will prove him wrong."
Looking in these determined eyes looking at him with a spark of anger for his stupidity and doubt, but also to support he knew only a true friend can give he nodded and finally for the first time of the day he found this out he thought that he could really succeed. We will find him and make it up to him as long as it takes for him to forgive us.
"Yes, we will."
He was looking at his hand with disbelief. How is that even possible?! It was just a dream, right? So this must be the dream too. But even if he tried really hard to wake up all this was for nothing. He touched the mark on his hand. It couldn't be fake, but what does that mean for him? He was thinking about all possible scenarios. Maybe it was some sort of joke twins set on him and it worked only now or maybe he finally loses his mind?
While asking himself those questions he unconsciously was tracing the finger lines of the star. He was so busy coming up with possible explanations that his attention was only turned when he felt warm radiating from his left hand. He looked at his mark and his eyes widened when almost invisible lines looking like an old scar began to darken.
With increasing of temperature lines were becoming more and more dark and when his palm started to hurt with burning pain he closed tightly his eyes trying to withstand pain. Air in the bathroom was heavy and he felt like he couldn't breath properly. If he has open eyes, he would see that in the room light blown out and not only there was dark, but also it seemed as light was all sucked and room was completely enveloped in impenetrable darkness. He was just about to scream when everything abruptly stopped.
He opened his eyes, but couldn't see anything. He panicked but then some of the darkness lengthened and he began to see the contours of a furniture, walls, window. He blinked a few times, but still his vision was blurred. He wanted to wipe his glasses only to find that without them everything was perfectly clear. He was confused, but put it in the background as less important at this moment. He looked around. The light was still off, but with a full moon lighting from windows illuminating room, he could see almost every detail.
His heart almost stopped when at the other side of the room shadows started to appear. He was looking wide eyed when darkness darker than black started forming human figure. After a few seconds a not even five feet away from him stood a man.
He was beautiful. His arm length hair was as dark as shadow from which it formed a while ago. His features were sharp and aristocratic. His pale skin contrasted with all surrounding him darkness. He was tall and well build, not too muscly but also not too thin. He had around himself an incredible powerful, dangerous aura that clearly screamed Run away! . Yet Harry found himself attacked by the creature standing before him. That magic was somehow similar and he felt safe surrounded by it.
The man opened his eyes and their eyes met. Those eyes like two shining amethysts looking straight at him with warmness and care so mismatched to danger radiating from this person but so similar.
He gasped when the realization hit him.
''Asmodeus...'' he whispered and then everything went black. He felt himself falling losing consciousness. The last thing he noticed was pair of strong arms, catching him before he could hit the floor.
He woke up feeling a little dazed. He felt soft surface under his body and predicted he was lying on bed or maybe a couch. He opened his eyes and saw sunlight falling into the room warming his face. He tried to remember last night and gasped trying to sit only to be lifted by the same person who brought him to his room and lock his eyes with amethyst ones.
He knew he should be scared but something told him that he had no reason to fear this man.
''Who are you?'' he whispered hating how weak his sound.
Mysterious man looked surprised and stunned, but at the next moment on his face appeared hint of worry and pain.
''You don't remember me.'' he more stated than asking, but Harry replied nonetheless. ''No, sorry. You are...'' his brows furrowed as if he was trying to remember something long ago forgot and he winced as if in pain. ''Asmodeus, right?''
''Yes, little one. It's me.'' arms around him tightened and only now he noticed that man's arms have been around his waist since he helped him to sit but he didn't mind gentle touch. He realized that when he was sitting on his bed said man was kneeling on the floor to be at the same height as him.
He looked at his lap, not exactly knowing what to say to person who he as it turns he knew but couldn't remember. He shouldn't be so calm about Asmodeus' presence in his room, but it seemed somehow natural for him to be there.
He found a little of his Gryffindor's courage and asked. ''What is going on with me?'' he stated weakly, but stopped and cleared his throat, refusing to sound so weak and continued his tone getting colder with every word. ''I know you from somewhere, but somehow I can't remember. Who are you? What are you doing here and what's the meaning of this?'' he lifted his left hand and glared at him demanding his answers. He was tired of this facade and wanted to know what is happening to him. What do mean all those dreams and more importantly, what is wrong with his memory with which he was sure was something wrong and the man kneeling before him was only person he was sure had something to do with this.
Then he realized that he almost shouted at from what he knew a dangerous adult wizard. He lowered his gaze and was going to apologize for his outburst when he heard a low chuckle. He expected many things: glare, shouting or even some sort of attack for his lack of respect but not bloody chuckle!
The hand moved from his waist to his chin and gently lifted his face. Man was smirking and his eyes were full of joy he tried to hide. He couldn't help but felt confused. It wasn't what he was expecting.
''You never change Alessander even when you don't remember who you are.'' he stood and sat on the bed facing Harry. His right arm never moved from his hip. ''I don't know the answer to your every question as it happens even I don't exactly know why are we in this situation, but I will try to explain to you as much as possible.''
''I am Asmodeus as you already know and you are my Dilectissimi, little one.'' he placed a finger on boy's mouth when he saw that he wanted to interrupt him getting glare in response. It's not important at this moment and I will explain it to you on another occasion preferably when we know exactly what happened to you. he stopped, observing if Harry still wanted to argue but when he received a small nod he continued. ''I'm a demon as you probably can guess from the nature of my magic, but you have nothing to be afraid of.'' he added when he saw a flash of fear in his companion's eyes. ''I would never hurt you.'' he said firmly and with determination and was surprised to see trust in the green orbs. ''You seem to be taking it as well as awe the first time.'' he smiled resembling more angel than the devil himself. ''Care to share why?''
Seeing the man's smile Harry couldn't help but to shrug and smile in response. ''Your magic feels safe. It's dark, but so warm and gives this feeling of need to trust you...'' then he realized what he said and blushed looking away from smirking demon. Cursing his pale complexion, he whispered with evident embarrassment. ''Sorry. It's just really strange.''
''Maybe you're not exactly like yourself yet.'' Damon said with amusement. ''I am definitely going to remind you that when you have your memories back.'' he teased getting another glare.
''Only try, demon.''
''So now when I know your little secret we can continue. I think the best would be to start at the beginning. We met first when you were eight. It's hard to tell because one way or another I have been with you since your birth, but then you first came to Demon Realm.'' he smirked You stormed into my castle as if you own the place and demanded to know what is going on. I must say that the show was priceless. You were first and I am sure the only person who ever wrapped almost every demon in our realm around their finger just like that. his eyes flashed on the memory. Being a good host I am, I explained the situation to you and taught you how to come back. I knew you, but others didn't and were really pessimistic regarding your presence and underestimate you but were quickly put in their place if not when you flashed your magic with fury then when they saw mark on your hand.''
To tell Harry was stunned was misunderstanding. He was almost gaping at demon sitting before him. Maybe not almost but he would deny it to the end of his life. Not knowing how to respond, he asked without thinking and after that could hit himself for how stupid his sound.
''Castle? You live in the castle?''
''I think it's suitable place to live for Demon's King, don't you think?''
''King of the Demons.'' he repeated stunned. He met the bloody King of the bloody Hell when he was eight? Then he remembered that said the demon was sitting on his bed and turned his attention back to him.
''Yes. It was hilarious when a mortal child came to my castle, the most protected places in all hell, not bothering about wards or guards and demanding an explanation from us, especially me.''
Harry groaned and hid his face in his hands. ''Why is it happening to me? First my headmaster tries to hex me, next I have some strange dreams which partially turn out to be true and now I have a friend who is not only a demon but some bloody king.'' he mumbled into his hands.
Demon winced and his eyes flashed possessively. ''Friend. Sure, little wizard.'' he murmured sarcastically.
Harry's head popped up and he hurried to explain at the same time trying to ignore the small feeling of hurt he felt after those words. ''I didn't intend to offend you. It just sounds like that from what you said.''
''No offense.'' and Harry could hear the amusement in his voice.
''So you know who I am? Because apparently you know me as someone else than I do know myself.''
''I don't know much about you that would be helpful in this realm. Your name is of course Alessander and from what I saw for now you absolutely aren't from this family. Theirs auras are too different for you to be ever considered relatives. You never told me your surname as it wasn't needed where we were spending time so what I know can't be much of help for now.'' he crocked his head eyeing him critically and Harry couldn't help but blush. ''You look different than when I last saw you, my prince.''
''Prince?'' he asked, ignoring remarks about his looks.
''You really don't know anything. How did you even summoned me in the first place because it happened only once and I thought...'' he traced apparently not wanting to continue this topic.
''What happened last time?''
Demon cleared his throat and looked almost sheepish if you could use this term regarding to the demon. ''You were in trouble and some people attacked you and I dealt with them. It was only one time you summoned me throughout your mark and the only time I saw you that scared.''
''What did you do?'' he asked already knowing the answer.
''I killed them all.'' Asmodeus answered, his eyes flashing with anger, but Harry knew this anger wasn't directed at him. Now looking at the man he could see the demonic nature of his companion and felt sorry for anyone who ever cross the demon's path.
''I wasn't scared of them.'' Harry guessed.
''You saw me when I lost control. It wasn't quick and painful death I gave them, Less. They suffered and it was real massacre.'' he signed. ''I don't regret killing them, don't take me wrong. I regret that you were watching their execution at the age of eight.''
Harry gasped. It couldn't be! But his dream with his brother. It must be somehow connected to this. The age was correct. Could be it that he ran from his family after that incident? Was that the reason his brother was so determined to never let him go again? He needed to know.
''Asmodeus, did I disappear after that? And could it be that I came back with some sort of necklace?'' he hurried.
Asmodeus looked at him shocked and whispered. ''Yes. You came back after that to meet me at my realm and told me that this won't happen ever again.''
''I remember that or rather it was in my dream.'' he murmured. "But I wasn't scared of you...'' he said to himself too low for any human to hear it avoiding to look at the demon and lost in his thoughts.
''What did you say?'' demon asked quietly something Harry couldn't define shining in his eyes.
Harry didn't expect a demon to hear him, but decided that it's not time for secrets. He sighed and looked Asmodeus in the eyes, his own changing color into silver and answered firmly. ''I wasn't scared of you. I don't remember what exactly happened, but I was scared of myself. I wanted them to suffer, scream, beg for death. on his face appeared bloodthirsty smile and he tilted his head as if in childish gesture, I was scared because I liked it.''
Damon shifted and that possessive look was back. He smirked and murmured. ''I think we will have a lot of fun in the near future, little wizard. I won't let the one person responsible for this go without punishment and now I can see that you will enjoy it as much as myself."
Any further discussion was disturbed by knocking on his door and his aunt's scream from outside of the door. ''Boy! We are leaving! You have no permission to leave this house do you understand?''
They froze. Harry with resignation and hatred and his companion with a little note of confusion that he didn't hear earlier upcoming women, anger and fury at the mogul who dared to order the wizard. And not only any wizard, but his little one.
Harry looked up at him and his temper calmed. He mouthed to him. ''For the time being we need to stay low.'' demon nodded in response regardless his obvious lack of acceptance.
''Yes, aunt Petunia.'' Harry quietly but enough for her to hear him.
''And don't you dare to show your freakiness and mess something around.''
''Yes, aunt Petunia.'' he repeated with resigned voice.
''In the kitchen there is a list of chores you must have finished in time we come back. We don't keep you here for nothing!''
''Yes, aunt Petunia.'' he submitted with a hint of anger, but also barely noticeable sadness.
Asmodeus, who all this time was studying young wizards expression seeing the way those muggles were treating his wizard felt rage boiling inside of him and decided that even if he doesn't know why Alexander lives with them it's time to change that.
After they heard sound of main door closing, Harry looked at him for the first time since his aunt has disturbed their previous conversation. At the determined look in his eyes demon smirked. ''You are leaving.'' he guessed. Smirk he received in response was all answer he needed. ''I'm going with you. I won't lose you again.'' he stated.
''Don't you have the hell to rule over?'' young man teased even if his chest fulfilled strange warm feeling at this declaration.
''I think they will manage without me for a while.'' he answered with amusement. ''And also they will be more than pleased to have you back there from time to time, so in my opinion the fact that you are back can absolutely compensate my absence.''
Harry laughed and it has been his first real laugh since ministry fiasco. He stood and frowned. ''Where will we go?''
Seeing pleased and pure sadistic look on the man's face, he inwardly groaned and almost regretted asking.
''We can go anywhere you want. Although I know someone who would take us with open arms for our visit.''
''I suppose I will just need to trust you.'' he joked, but with a little note of uncertainty.
''You can trust me. I will protect you even from myself.'' demon confirmed his voice full of determination and something Harry couldn't define.
Despite the fact that he didn't understand remark about why a demon would need to protect him from himself he believed him. He couldn't help but to reach again for this resurrecting aura getting the feeling of his companions sincerity and making him more self confident. He nodded stating his agreement.
They went down the stairs. Asmodeus easily unlocked cupboard using some sort of magic Harry couldn't remember from anything they were taught at Hogwarts to gain access to the boy's trunk and shrinks it to the size of a little pendant. He conjured a silver chain and spelled two things together into some subtle bracelet and with a smile, responding at the questioning look he received handed it to his protege. ''This way it will be more comfortable.''
Harry thanked him and turned to leave outside of the house and the wards protecting it, but gently touch on his shoulder stopped him.
''It won't be necessary. My magic is different and even despite the fact that now it's feeding from your mostly blocked one is enough strong for it's dark nature to have no restriction with the wards and won't be detected by anyone I don't wish.'' after seeing doubting look in the wizard's eyes he added wit pleased smirk. ''After all, I was here all night, wasn't I?''
''Right.'' he mumbled, trying to stop the blush starting to appear on his face at the mention of the night demon all time was by his side and decided to leave information about sharing magic at the later moment and now concentrate about more important matters. He grinned at the thought of all possibilities demonic magic can make.
Demon chuckled and gave his hand to wizard to hold that they could make their leave.
Harry didn't hesitate for a long time and with a sly smile, grabbed firmly offered hand without a hint of distrust what really pleased demon. He knew that running away with this stranger isn't the safest idea but after weeks of his unstoppable confusion and doubts this man was the first clue he received adically as it happens from undiscovered for himself sources he just knew he could trust him. His friends hadn't written to him since the beginning of summer break, even Headmaster hasn't send a word so who was he to refuse his chance to gain some information?
Shadows in the hall shifted just like last night and without any sound or anyone noticing they disappeared leaving only echoes of silent whisper. ''Let the game begin.''