Though she kept one eye on her own project, for even if she had finished all of the steps she still had to wait and see if she had done it correctly, Stolas's only child couldn't help but offer some helpful advice for her fellow brewer.
"You're gonna want to add a counter-clockwise stir every minute or so. It helps the seeds dissolve better without causing them to stick to the sides."
Earning a grateful nod from the black-haired wizard, Octavia couldn't help but voice her curiosity as she made note of the ingredients he was using.
"Apple Seeds. Dittany. Salt from a dried-up Phoenix tear. If I didn't know any better, I would say you're trying to make a healing potion."
Her words causing Harry to look up from his brewing cauldron with an expression that was both surprised and yet slightly embarrassed, Octavia merely raised an eyebrow as the reptilian eye boy turned red as she guessed the cause for his selection.
"Dad's lov…I mean Blitzo finally decide stock up on something other than bullets and explosives? Kind of weird that he never really invested in medical supplies before he started using Dad's book, but I suppose better late than never."
Waiting for her classmate to respond, the feathered teenager was instead met with silence.
Frowning at his lack of a verbal answer, since he usually was quite willing to answer if he was asked directly, Octavia proceeded to lean over his shoulder and read the title of the book he was working from.
"'101 Ways to Brew Cures for your Sexual Mistakes'. Not…what I expected from a boy your age. But I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later since my Dad doesn't really know the meaning of the word discreet."
Doing her best to ignore the feeling of disappointment that came over, the teenaged Owl Demon quickly found herself experiencing a feeling of anger as Harry proceeded to correct her assumption.
"What are you talking about? This potion isn't for me, it's for Loona."
If she had been a tad older, and more experienced, Octavia would have been able to identify her feelings as being similar in nature to what her parents must have felt when they first discovered that they had been in the arms of another.
"Ew. I didn't exactly peg her as a cradle robber, but I suppose given that her…dad isn't exactly right in the head, I should have seen it coming. Still, I suppose you should be congratulated for your maturity."
Her words earning a confused frown from the black-haired jailbait, Octavia felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment as Harry proved her wrong.
"What are you talking about? Blitzo told me that Loona was suffering from something called an STD. And since Loona is afraid of needles, I thought that I could help her out with a little bit of brewing."
Though she agreed with this line of reasoning, the fact remained that she was still trying to process the fact that Harry had somehow managed to get his hands on a book that could not only tell someone how to get rid of some of the unfortunate consequences of exchanging bodily fluids but also how to provide a bit of support if one was…lacking in terms of physical qualities, the teenaged Owl Demon found herself chuckling as he continued his explanation.
"At first I had some trouble finding the right book. But since your dad….I mean Master Stolas was busy….talking with your mom, I decided to test out a new spell I've been working on".
Choosing not to comment on the boy's obvious reluctance to talk about her parents' less-than-cordial relationship, Octavia found herself smiling as she guessed how he went about finding that particular book.
"I assume you used the specific summoning spell for a book that held the cure for your friend's…ailment? Got to admit that I'm impressed. It took me ages to develop that kind of control."
"Only because your father didn't spend enough teaching you theory. While he is powerful, his ability to instruct is lacking in certain areas."
Shocked at the sudden appearance of her mother, for she couldn't remember the last time she had interrupted a lesson where there was a very real chance of something unpleasant staining her dress, Octavia found herself frowning as the older Owl Demon critique their efforts.
Not because she didn't know what she was doing. But because unlike her father, she was less than accepting if she didn't perform perfectly.
"A barely acceptable concoction Octavia. While the color is correct, and indeed has the right aroma, the rest of it is too thick. The point of a drinkable poison is to ensure that the target doesn't realize that they have just consumed the instrument of their demise. But this…..you'll be lucky if they don't have to chew it before swallowing."
Accepting her mother's words with a long-suffering sigh, Octavia nervously watched as the older avian woman peered into the bubbling contents of her classmate's cauldron.
"Hmmmmm. A little too runny, and I can still detect the scent of apples despite the fact that the seeds should have long since dissolved. But I suppose it would be suitable enough for those that are desperate enough for a cure. But do remember boy, if you wish to remain a pupil of my husband, your work must show that he is not wasting his time. Do you understand?"
Watching Harry slowly nod at these words, the pink-eyed heiress was surprised by her mother's reaction.
"Good. I would be displeased if I was forced to terminate your academic relationship with Via. Even if it meant that I didn't have to put up with Stolas's paranoia any longer. But just so we're clear, if you want to be anything more than friends with my daughter once you are of age, you WILL have to meet my standards. Is that understood?"
Seeing Harry's confused frown, and fighting her own embarrassment at the fact that her mother was basically saying that she would accept him as her future boyfriend if he continued to prove himself, Octavia moved to clear up the misunderstanding.
Only to be interrupted as the white-feathered Owl Demon threw something onto Harry's workstation.
"I trust that my husband has at least gone over the basics of magical travel?"
Considering that magical teleportation was something that her Dad was well known for, and had in fact led to her mother's recently acquired distaste for Imps, Octavia would have been surprised if Harry answered with anything but a simple nod of his head.
"Good. As soon as your finished brewing your potion, you need only tap your wand to this and you will find yourself back with your…Imps. I trust that you are capable of handling this task without my daughter's supervision?"
Her words earning another nod from the black-haired wizard, Octavia felt her mood sour further as her mother turned her attention elsewhere.
"Good. Now come along Via. Your father is running late today, so I will be in charge of today's history lessons."
Failing to stifle a groan at this news, not so much because it was her mother teaching her but because history was her least favorite subject, the teenaged Owl Demon turned towards her younger classmate with a smile.
"See you tomorrow Harry. And might I suggest you have a camera on hand when you give the do….I mean Loona your potion. I'm sure her reaction, and the reaction of her Imp father, will be worth remembering."
Receiving a frowning nod from the former Human, though she could tell by the slight gleam in his eyes told her that he had already suspected that Blitzo would be his usual over the top self at this news, Octavia turned her back on her friend.
Not knowing that the next time she saw him, tears would be rolling down her face
…
"Soooooooooo, you want to talk about it?"
Not bothering to look up from her latest issue of Hellhound Monthly, Loona responded to the Imp's question with her usual dismissive tone.
"Does it look like I want to fuck talk about it?"
Expecting her fellow female to take the hint, the canine woman tried her best not to growl as Millie proved that there was a reason why she secretly considered Moxxie to be the smarter of the two Imps.
"I'm only asking 'cause I'm concerned about you. Cause since our trip top side, you've been moody than usual. Don't tell me you're still mad at Blitzo for ruining your chances with his ex's Hellho.."
Releasing a warning growl to get the Imp to stop talking, Loona could only glare at Millie as she made herself perfectly clear.
"Just because you and your limp-dicked husband like to flaunt how sappy your relationship is does NOT give you the right to question how I deal with mine. Got it?"
Receiving a small frown from the usually cheerful Imp, the grey furred Hellhound resisted the very real urge to slash something as Moxxie decided to intervene.
"And yet I can't remember a day where you and Blitzo haven't asked us why an Imp like Millie fell for a, how did the boss put it the other day? Oh yes, a cowardly sack of spineless ooze who only got lucky cause he found someone dim enough to pity him. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that sort of sounds like you're questioning how our relationship works."
Rolling her eyes at the white-haired Imp's attempt to help his wife's attempt to meddle where she had no concern to be, Loona felt her lips morph into a small smirk as it was quickly proven that despite the current tension that existed between them, Blitzo was still willing to act like she needed his help.
"No one gives a shit about your failings Moxx. So kindly leave my receptionist alone. She has enough on her plate as it is given what YOUR boy is up to."
And just like that, her look of gratitude changed into one of irritation.
"What are you talking about?"
Idly noting that the Imp couple were also staring at them with looks of barely restrained anger, which funnily enough were quite similar to what Blitzo had worn whenever the kids in elementary school had dared to poke fun of her adoptive status, Loona was uncertain how she should respond to her adoptive father's answer.
On one hand, she could do her version of a cheer since it was nothing but good news for her.
But on the other hand, the fact that Blitzo was using this as an excuse to go into overprotective dad mode meant that she wanted to either die or kill him.
"Well despite the fact that the kid is still too young to defile the purity of my precious Loony, he's already taking steps to ensure THAT door is open once his little stick is capable of shooting the white stuff. But despite his deviousness, I couldn't let the chance to cure Looney of her…little problem pass me by. Sooooo, I told him that if he wanted to cheer her up, he should take advantage of the fact that his magic teacher probably had books on how to cure nasty little diseases like syphilis."
For a moment only silence filled the office following Blitzo's reply to his adopted daughter's question. Only for it to be very quickly, and violently brought to an end by a pissed-off Imp with a strong maternal instinct and a Hellhound who had a penchant for resorting to violence whenever she was embarrassed.
Quickly stepping back to minimize the chances of sharing the fate of his nimbly dodging employer, who as always had to show off the skills that had been required for his previous career in the circus, Moxxie could only sigh as it once again fell to him to ensure that their company employed a modicum of professionalism.
"I.M.P. Moxxie speaking."
And of course, the universe just had to make his day even worse.
"Can you put Blitzy on the phone, please? I have a special request I wish to make of him."
Briefly switching his attention to his employer, who was currently being strangled by a snarling Loona while Millie patiently waited for her turn, and knowing that Stolas would be less than pleased if he told him no, Moxxie pushed the speaker button so that the entire office could hear the Goetia Prince's message.
"Hello Blitzy. I know that this is a bit sudden, but I was wondering if you had plans for this evening? Nothing too fancy or strenuous. Just a simple dinner between two lov..."
"YES! I mean, yeah sure Stolas. Sounds good. Just give me and Looney some time to get ready then we'll be right over"
Snickering at Loona's less than pleased reaction in being included, the white-haired Imp found himself experiencing a feeling of rising panic as he heard the confusion in the Owl Demon's voice.
"Well, she's more than welcome to join us Blitzy. However, I must admit that I am surprised at the resilience of your adopted daughter. The effects of Harry's potion should have left her feeling either sick or drowsy immediately after drinking it. I suppose it's possible that he made a mistake. But Stella was quite certain that he brewed it correctly."
For a moment nobody said anything. But said moment quickly passed as Millie decided to ask the question that they were all thinking.
"What…what are you talking about your highness? Harry is still with you isn't he?"
Hoping that his wife would be proven correct, Moxxie felt himself experience the emotions of rage and panic as Stolas answered the question.
"I…I'm afraid not. Stella told me that she arranged for him to be sent back to your building by the use of a magical transportation device. And from what I can tell it's been….2 hours since it's been activated."
It was at this moment that Millie screamed the same question Blitzo had cried out that day they had been trying to win the rights to their parking space back.
"Wh…WHERE'S MY BABY!?"
….
Despite the fact that it had been many months since he last had to experience this particular sensation, Harry nevertheless went through the ritual he had sadly perfected ever since the Dursleys deemed him capable enough to pay them back for their 'display of good will'.
The bump at the back of his head told him precisely were the latest assault on his person had been delivered.
There was no pain when he moved his arms and legs. Which meant that he didn't have to worry about broken bones or anything being dislocated. Which in turn meant that he didn't have to find the nearest hard surface to pop them back in.
His clothes bore no sign that he had soiled himself. Which meant that he hadn't been unconscious for too long.
Which meant the only thing he now had to do was remember the events that led to his latest non work related injury.
He had finished making the potion that would cure Loona of her illness.
He had activated the magical transportation device that had been set up by the bird woman who strangely enough acted like a nicer version of the woman who had treated him like trash for 7 years. Which was funny given that Mrs. Stolas was what Au…no Petunia had always tried to be.
A respected member of the societal elite.
Allowing a small vindictive smirk to cross his features at that particular thought, Harry went back to reviewing his list.
He had been transported outside of the office before going into the usual empty lobby.
Had pushed the button for the elevator to take him up to the offices of I.M.P.
And then….his mind became fuzzy then completely dark.
Shaking his head in a futile attempt to jumpstart his memory, something which caused him to wince, Harry mentally kicked himself as he realized that he had almost forgotten one of the most important lessons his new family had drilled into him.
When in a dangerous situation, analyze your surroundings.
Taking a deep breath through the nose in an effort to calm his nerves, Harry could only frown in disgust as he smelt the odd combination of odors.
Sweat.
Smoke.
And something that reminded him of a mixture of rotten eggs and chlorine.
Trying not to gag at the stench, even if it was slightly better than cleaning up the bathroom after Unc…Vernon had used it, Harry had to fight the urge to flinch as it became apparent that he was no longer.
"Well, well, well. Look who finally woke up."
Doing his best not to shudder as the room was filled with the soft, but cruel sounding chuckling of his obvious kidnapper, Harry turned his head to try and get a better sense of who he was dealing with.
Only to receive a face full of sweet smelling red colored smoke.
"Apologies kiddo. In my line of work, I don't often have to deal with kids. So you'll have to excuse me if I end up treating you like an adult."
Rubbing the remaining wetness from his eyes, the sight that greeted Harry's no longer obstructed vision was enough to make him nervous.
Rows of pink-colored teeth, plus a golden one, that looked like they belonged in a shark.
Cruel pink-colored eyes flashed behind pink-colored heart shape glasses.
And a type of hat that he had originally viewed as cool before Moxxie had told him that only cruel and evil people wore that type of hat.
Taking a brief moment to compose himself, Harry was prevented from making the first move thanks to the Demon extending one of his four arms into his face.
"Name's Valentino kid. But all my friends call me Val. I don't suppose that your peacock of a teacher ever told you about me?"
His mind going back to one of his first lessons regarding the nature of his new environment, the black-haired wizard felt himself grow more nervous as he realized that he was currently in the presence of one of the two Overlords he had been instructed to never mess with unless he had some serious backup.
But thanks to his time with Millie, Loona, and Blitzo, he also knew that he would be only making things worse for himself if he showed weakness.
Respect was fine.
So was distrust.
But making the threatening party know you were afraid of them? Or showing your disgust for them despite the fact that you were too weak to stand against them.
That was just asking for trouble.
So it was with only with a brief moment of hesitation that Harry accepted the outstretched hand with his own.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Valentino. I'm Har.."
"I already know who you are kiddo. But it's nice to see that you have some manners. Makes things easier in the long run. However, you didn't answer my question."
Detecting a hint of warning within the otherwise smooth and oddly reasonable tone of the grinning Overlord, Harry nodded his head.
"Yeah, Master Stolas told me about you."
"And what did he say?"
Thinking back to his lessons, and taking a moment to consider the best way to provide an answer that was both honest and yet not too insulting, Harry could only hope that he wouldn't come to regret this.
'He…he said that you counted amongst some of the most dangerous Overlords in Hell."
His answer earning a snort from the blue-skinned Demon, Harry fought the urge to sigh in relief as Valentino seemed to find his answer amusing rather than insulting.
"Indeed I am. One doesn't get to where I am without leaving a lot of bodies in my wake. But enough about me. I'm sure you're wondering why I decided to have this little…chat with you."
Nodding his head to show that he was indeed curious, Harry found himself wearing an expression of amazement as he watched one of Hell's most powerful human-born sinners do something that he had never expected.
"I have a proposition for you."
…
ANNNNNND that's enough for now :D
I do apologize for the cliff hanger of such an emotionally charged chapter, but I assure you it is necessary.
Once again I am pleased to see how many people are enjoying this story. Take pride in my concept being the most favorited and followed in the Harry Potter/Hazbin crossover category.
And just to clarify some things since a lot of people have asked me this already. It is a blind poll people lol I cannot tell you the results until it is finished XD HOWEVER, I think by the time I am done the next chapter, will be posting the results since they do give me an idea of how to do the Hogwarts arc (i.e. whether its 11 year old Harry or 14 year old Harry). So PLZ be patient.
And now to discuss what has happened.
The Octavia segment I think is a nice step forward IF I decide to going with pairing her with Harry. But if I don't still a sweet segment I thought. Also my portrayal of Stella, I confess that I have been watching the Stolas x Stella tribute made by Sigmund Greene on You Tube. Seeing the Goetia's act like a loving family just got to me. Sooooo….yeah XD
Second segment of course deals with Millie trying to address the unaddressed tensions between Loona and Blitzo. And of course Blitzo proving that he still has her back despite her previous hurtful comment. Still operating under the belief that Loona was adopted when she was MUCH younger than what was revealed in Spring Broken. And then of course Stolas revealing information that sent everyone into full blown Panic mode.
And of course the last segment…Harry waking up at the studio. Don't believe I need to go into too much detail. But suffice to say that he is in trouble.
Next chapter wont be out for a bit since I need to do some stuff in my life, but will upload as soon as I have the next chapter ready.
As always plz review (preferably in English XD).
Make sure you vote on the Poll. At the top of the page on my profile. Or just type DWAR fanfic in a search engine and you'll get there lol.
Til next time.