Though she appreciated the fact that her father was both a loving and regular presence in her life, a claim that even the Princess of Hell would no doubt be envious of if the rumors surrounding her were true, Octavia nevertheless felt a slight twinge of irritation as her dad shattered the quiet of the 'classroom'.
"Via. My darling little owlet. I have a surprise for today's lesson".
That irritation quickly morphed into fearful disgust as she recalled the last time her father decided to 'surprise her".
"Please don't let it be scrying magic. Please don't let it be scrying magic".
Of course, her muttered prayers were easily heard by her father.
"Now dear I've told you countless times that scrying magic is important. How else are you supposed to spy on your enemies without them knowing"?
Though she agreed with his logic, Octavia couldn't help but point out the reasons why she had less than fond memories of being taught this skill.
"I totally get that Dad. But what you showed me last time wasn't an enemy. Though I suppose Mom would say different".
Smirking a little as she recalled what her mother had done the last time her father had been caught with the 'other woman' in his life, the gray feathered teenager soon sported a frown of confusion as her father sought to recover from his...embarrassment.
"Ahem...yes well. Anyway that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you happen to recall the first thing you asked me when we began your lessons"?
At this she could only shake her head.
"Cant really say that I do".
But of course her father was more than prepared to remind her.
"I suppose that's to be expected since you were so excited to start learning magic that you were nearly asking a question every time you took a breath".
At this the teenaged owl demon could only look down in embarrassment.
"I wasn't that bad".
And of course her father acted like he didn't hear her.
"Anyways, to get back on topic, one of the things you asked me was if perhaps you could invite some of your friends to join you in your lessons".
Frowning as she processed this unlikely statement, for she was the type of girl, for obvious reasons, who preferred to go to other peoples houses instead of inviting them to her own, Octavia tried, and failed, to correct him.
"I never said tha...".
"But since none of them possessed the same desire to learn as you did, I sadly had to deny your request. However today is a special day, for I have finally found you a classmate".
Red eyes widening at this piece of information, Octavia found herself frowning in confusion as her father reached around his flowing cape to pull out something that looked even more pathetic than the bow tie wearing employee of her father's mistress.
"Is this a joke"?
Choosing to ignore the scrawny kid's flinch at her dismissive tone in favor of frowning at her father, the avian teenager was once again shocked by the answer she received.
"Far from it my little owlet. While it will take some time until young Harry here is as skilled in the ways of magic as you, he nevertheless will prove to be quite useful in your studies".
Casting another glance at the black haired kid, Octavia was understandably sceptical.
"...Care to explain how"?
For the first time in their conversation, Stolas's tone shifted from excited to something that could only be labeled as sly.
"I thought the answer was rather obvious. But I suppose if your having difficulty in figuring this out for your own, it is my duty as your father and teacher to correct your...failings".
Scowling at her father's answer, Octavia was prevented from asking further questions as her more excitable parent turned towards her new 'classmate'.
"And as for you young one, before we begin, I have a question for you".
Rolling her eyes at the kid's nervous reaction, the avian teenager nevertheless was curious to see what her father would ask him.
"...what is that sir"?
Seeing her father sport a grin that was nearly as creepy as the look he wore whenever he started vocally fantasizing about his 'Little Imp'.
"While living in the mortal world, did you ever watch a series called Star Wars"?
...
Despite the fact that it had been many years since she last got to enjoy a vacation, for her husband's death and her duties had sadly kept her preoccupied during the last 14 years, Arabella Figg nevertheless entered her home with a sigh of relief.
For while she had enjoyed her trip to Gibraltar, especially since the hotel she stayed in had allowed her to bring her beloved fury children with her, the downside of owning 4 extremely intelligent animals ensured that a lot of effort had to be expended in order to force them into travel carriers.
But since she was now home, her precious babies were now free to roam around without care while their mother resumed her position as the watchful guardian of the Boy Who Lived.
It still pained her that her role prevented her from doing anything to bring a spot of happiness into the boy's life. For if his so called family ever learned that she was treating him like a human being instead of a unpleasant burden then her efforts in keeping him safe from the less noble elements of the Wizarding World would become far more difficult.
But even though she was a Squib, and knew full well the difficulties in being raised in a household where a child was looked down upon for their differences, the Dursley's cruelty managed to surpass that of the most militant of blood purists.
It was one thing to disown one's child for lacking the gift of magic. Let alone what some of the darker families did to their non magical children once it became clear that they did not possess the 'gift' that justified their claims that their blood made them better than the average half blood or muggleborn.
But to treat an innocent child like a disloyal House Elf?
It was a small miracle that she hadn't turned to the drink in order to make her live with herself.
Especially since her patron seemed to ignore her misgivings.
However to be fair to Dumbledore, he didn't know the full extent of the Dursley's abuse because of two reasons.
The first was because her means of contacting him were limited because of not only the need to keep Harry Potter's location a secret from those that might harm him, but also because there could be nothing in her home to indicate that she was connect with the world that the Dursley's viewed with fear and disgust.
The second reason was because she was ashamed.
In the few times she had spoken to Dumbledore about the Dursley's mistreatment of their magical nephew, she could only recount how small and unhappy the boy had looked. And that wretched family was too good at hiding the worst of their abuse behind closed doors.
And for what they couldn't hide, they always had the perfect excuse in place.
'The boy needs proper discipline if were to curb his delinquent tendencies'.
'Our Dudley is such a good boy in involving his cousin in his games. They end up being a tad more...violent then we would like. But boys will be boys'.
And the one time she had secretly contracted the boy's school to report suspicion of abuse, Harry had disappeared for 3 weeks. Returning with a slight limp that thankfully disappeared, and a look that had no right belonging to a child that was only 6 years of age.
Dumbledore of course had been concerned about this news, but without proper proof, or at the very least without the courage to demand a visit from the world's most powerful wizard, Figg could merely cling to the hope that within 3 years, young Harry would finally have a chance to escape his abusive relatives and reconnect with the world
However, that hope quickly vanished as she caught the sight of something that made her loath herself completely.
The Dursley House.
Surrounded by cop cars, yellow tape. And perhaps the worst of all, ambulance workers rolling a cart that had the covered figure of a child.
...
ANNNNNND that's enough for now I think.
In honor of the second episode of Helluva Boss (3rd if we count the pilot), here is the next chapter :D
To clarify some things, no Harrys magical education will not be in the ways of the force. Merely working with the theory that Magic in Hell is more INTENT based, or fueled by emotions...plus the fact that Stolas is working with a small child sooo...thats my excuse lol.
Have decided not to go with the Dumbledore INTENTIONALLY screwing Harry out of a happy childhood to make him more malleable. Too many stories like that. And here is my take on how it will be done.
Next chapter will have more Imp and Harry bonding. With additional Harry and Loona bonding, and Blitzo antics.
And now we can see what Stolas's family is like, rather than relying on Instagram posts, will be incorporating that as well XD
Anyways, hopefully I will have the next chapter out by Christmas, along with other chapters.
Plz review. No flames.
Til next time.