While he should be comforted by the presence of one of Hell's most powerful beings, even with his sadly growing reputation as a bit of depraved eccentric, Moxxie couldn't help but be concerned as he took note of Stolas's appearance.

Though wearing the type of outfit that made it obvious that he was a being of great wealth, the tired bangs underneath his currently human eyes, not to mention his slightly slouching posture, was enough to convince anyone who spent sufficient time with the transformed Goetia that something was bothering him.

But since his relationship with lanky Demon was neither that of a teacher or student, or whatever fucked up thing he had going with Blitzo, it wasn't his place to express his concerns.

Though being the fearless Imp that she was, Millie lacked his sense of caution.

"Everything okay Highness? I hate to point this out but, you're looking a little…out of it."

If it had been anyone else, Moxxie was sure that his wife's question would at the very least earn a firm, if not violent reminder of the hierarchical differences between Imps and the more powerful denizens of Hell.

However, since the question was aimed at a Prince of Hell who had no qualms in having romantic feelings for a lowly Imp, the response his wife received was neither dismissive, nor violent.

"I appreciate your concern dearest Mildred, but everything is fine. Just dealing with some…marital issues that I previously, and perhaps foolishly, had believed to be resolved."

Wincing a little as he guessed the nature of Stolas's problem, but knowing that it wasn't his place to comment, Moxxie decided to change the direction of the conversation towards something that had nothing to do with the crumbling arrangement that existed between Blitzo and the two Goetias.

"Any idea how much longer the train is going to be? Cause judging from my watch, it should have been here already."

His words earning a matching nod of agreement from his wife, who for some reason had decided to go blond during their latest trip 'upstairs', Moxxie felt himself tensing as a rather condescending voice decided to but into what had previously been a private conversation.

"Funny. I thought that the School had seen fit to inform the parents of it's more….common students that there would be a slight delay due to the changing weather. But then I suppose that as the year's pass, the Headmaster has become rather neglectful in carrying out his more mundane duties."

Frowning as he turned to face the sneering countenance of a man who clearly had an addiction for hair products, the disguised Imp slowly made his way over to Millie's side as the blond-haired man introduced himself in a manner that, while incredibly snobbish, was far inferior to the more pompous members of Hell.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucius Malfoy. Head of the most ancient and noble house of Malfoy. And…you are?"

Doing his best to soothe his wife's nerves as he could tell that it wouldn't take much for her to turn the platform into a blood bath, even if he was pretty sure that she had left their guns at home, Moxxie released a sigh of relief as Stolas decided to, for once, play the part of a cultured nobleman.

"I am Stolas Goetia of the ancient and honored Goetia family. These two of course are under my protection, so I would appreciate if you didn't treat them too badly."

And just like that, Malfoy went from acting like he had stepped in something that had come out of the back end of an animal, to something that could possibly be labeled as suave.

"Apologises Lord….Goetia was it? I must admit that I am…unfamiliar with that name. But I nevertheless apologize for my behavior to your…servants?"

Knowing that said apology was probably insincere since Harry had told them about the rather troubling behavior of the man's son, Moxxie wisely decided not to interrupt as Stolas verbally spared with a man who was the magical equivalent of a Nazi war criminal.

"Quite alright Lord Malfoy. Every noble house has its own preferred method of treating their servants. And while my family prefers to practice a more…hands off approach in managing our public affairs, I assure you that our lack of interest to socialize is not due to a lack of resources. Rather it is because we find your sole unchanging argument to be rather…tedious."

Silently gesturing for Millie to get behind him since he didn't really like the look that was currently being worn by the blond-haired aristocrat, the disguised Imp had to give the man credit as he restrained his clearly violent impulses.

"Is that so? I confess that I find it curious that a man of your position would say such a thing despite employing Mugg…I mean people like this as your servants."

"And I find it curious that a man who claims to have been bewitched into committing hate crimes would say the same things as those who were found guilty of the same sort of crimes he claimed to be innocent of."

Though slightly concerned that his attempts to keep his wife from joining the conversation had resulted in failure, Moxxie nevertheless had to nod his head in agreement with Millie's observation.

For a man who had avoided jail time because he had bribed enough people to believe his story of being magically forced to join the ranks of some racist terrorist organization, Malfoy wasn't exactly behaving in a manner to suggest that he been an unwilling recruit of the monster who had ruined Harry's childhood.

And since Millie was particularly eager to deal with those responsible for making their son's early years more Hell than Hell, Moxxie wasn't too surprised that his wife was goading the war criminal into making the first move.

"You should be careful with your accusations madam. Even with a patron such as yours, accidents are known to happen to those who are careless."

"And if they should, well then I suspect that a certain noble family will find their fortunes dwindle to the point where no one would question why a formerly wealthy nobleman decided to take their own life. It's fascinating how much people are willing to overlook if they are given a credible excuse for a mur…I mean a suicide. Don't you think so…Mister Malfoy?"

Pleased to have Stolas show concern for their well being, even if it was slightly depressing to have another man promise violent retribution if HIS wife ever came to harm, Moxxie was luckily spared from listening to the now enraged looking wizard by the sound of an approaching train.

Of course he would have to keep one eye open to ensure that the blond prick didn't do anything while they greeted their son.

But that was a small price to pay for protecting his family.

….

Despite the very real urge to give in to his more violent emotions, his years as an influential member of the Wizengamot, not to mention his years serving under the Dark Lord, had ensured that Lucious was well versed in masking his true feelings until he was in a place to properly vent them.

For while this wasn't the first time that someone had publicly questioned his story about being magically coerced into doing the Dark Lord's bidding, which was one of the reasons why the department of a certain Muggle loving fool continued to be denied more than the bare minimum of funding, it was the first time that his 'innocence' had been questioned so blatantly.

Fortunately, while he couldn't immediately act against that miserable little trolop, if only because she was under the protection of the type of Pureblood aristocrat that undoubtedly possessed the type of wealth and power that would have attracted the interest of his fallen master, that didn't mean that he could make things difficult for her spawn.

Of course, his son would be unable to do anything too questionable since the boy lacked both the knowledge and subtly to get away with the type of punishment he desired for the short woman's child.

But since Dumbledore continued to foolishly expect the animosity between the Houses to disappear, he was certain that Draco could get away with the same type of behavior one could expect from a spoiled member of the upper classes.

Of course the boy would soon reach the age where his upbringing would require Narcissa to relinquish some of her more…maternal duties.

But since he wouldn't be able to properly instruct his son until the summer, Lucius would have to settle for simply reminding him of the key lessons that were taught to every child of proper ancestry.

Only those whose bloodlines were completely free of the taint of Muggles possessed the right to rule.

And anyone who protested this time-honored belief was an enemy that would one day be des…

"Mother! Father!"

Sighing in slight irritation as the excited voice of his only child interrupted his musings, for it was apparent that he would need to begin Draco's lessons early if he publicly acted like an overly energetic Weasely, Lucious quickly found himself experiencing an emotion he hadn't felt in years as he watched Draco fall face first onto the station's concrete platform.

"DRACO!"

…..

"Honestly Kid I'm disappointed in you. You had the perfect opportunity to take the guy out, and yet you squandered it. Should have known that Moxxie's inadequacies would eventually start rubbing off on you."

Despite knowing that his dad was fully capable of defending himself, especially when backed up by his trigger-happy mother, Harry wasted no time in acting like the good son that he was.

"Really? I actually thought that it was due to dad's teachings that I got away with my little…prank. I mean don't get me wrong, that prick's days are numbered if he keeps following in his goose-stepping daddy's footprints. But since the company hasn't received a request to do him in, there was no reason to risk exposure by killing him in public."

In another life, the ease in which he discussed ending a life, as well as the excuse he gave not to do so, would have frightened him beyond measure.

As it was, Harry merely smiled happily as his white-haired parent decided to voice his support for his decision.

"Harry's right sir. Since there is currently no contract on his classmate, there was no reason to have an 'unfortunate accident' occur. Maybe if you hadn't rejected our idea to offer non-lethal services, the company could have profited from what happened at the train station. But since you didn't, you..."

"Have to either let it go or consider using the incident as part of a new ad campaign? Yes, thank you Moxxie. Your comments are, as always, greatly appreciated."

Though long since used to Blitzo's less than the respectful attitude towards his dad's attempts to make I.M.P. more profitable, Harry had nevertheless been surprised by the amount of venom that could currently be heard in his employer's tone.

It was only thanks to the understanding they had managed to create during their brief stint as government hostages that prompted his next question.

"Everything okay Blitz? You seem a little…out of it."

His words causing his employer to release a slightly depressive sigh, Harry understandably felt concerned for his avian friend as Blitzo answered his question in a rather evasive manner.

"Eh, nothing too serious really. Things are just a little… tense between Stolas and that bitch of a harpy of his."

Though suspecting that things were a lot worse than his employer was willing to admit, Harry nevertheless decided to let the matter rest until he could ask Via what was happening with her parents.

However, that didn't prevent a certain Hellhound from voicing an opinion that everyone was probably already thinking about.

"His wife finally decided to give you the boot huh?"

While he would have put it less bluntly, for even if she was a bit haughty, he honestly had no problems with the Lady Goetia, Harry was nevertheless unsurprised at learning that the relationship between his employer and his friend's mom had come to an end.

Though he was surprised at how calmly his employer responded to Loona's question.

Even if he didn't believe a word that came out of Blitzo's mouth.

"Whaaat? Noooo. We just decided that we should put a stop to our sexy funny time until she stops PMSing. I don't mind a little blood in the sheets, but even I have limits on how often I wanna sleep with a blood gushing pu.."

"WE GET THE POINT SIR!"

Nodding his head to show that fully agreed with his dad's disgusted plea, Harry decided to try and change the topic of conversation before Blitzo could reveal another inappropriate excuse as to why Stella had ended their relationship.

"Soooo…how are we doing for clients? This time of year we usually see a bit of a chr…I mean holiday rush."

His question earning an amused smirk from Loona, who correctly saw his question as a desperate attempt to steer the conversation away from the cringe-worthy relationship between his employer and primary teachers, the black-haired dragon Demon was relieved by the answer he received.

"Actually we're doing ok. Not enough to allow us to retire early, but more than enough to keep us in the black if your mom promises to lay off the guns for a while."

Doing his best not to laugh at the pouting expression that was currently being worn by his mother, if only because doing so might very well get his own shooting privileges revoked, Harry allowed his mind to wander as his parents tried to reason with their cheapskate of an employer.

Despite it being four years since he had come to live in Hell, he still couldn't get over the fact that the realm of the damned tended to have a holiday season that more or less happened at the same time the human world was celebrating the birthday of Lucifer's half brother.

He had a theory why the King of Hell tolerated his subject's half-hearted, and often bloody attempts to mark the end of December.

But since voicing such an opinion carried the risk of earning the wrath of the Devil, he wisely chose to keep his opinions about Lucifer's family to himself.

However, little did he know that in the coming weeks, he would get his chance to voice his opinions.

If only because the daughter of the First Fallen Angel and the first Human woman was the type of person who actively encouraged others to speak their minds.

….

ANNNNNNND gonna end this here.

I know I know.

Its very short. Shorter than I orginally intended.

But writer's block, other stuff….and PERHAPS interest in revisiting another one of my stories is interfering with my 'flow'.

Anyways….i know it's out of season…BUT….pretty soon gonna be Christmas time in Hell. Not 100% sure what the Devil's relationship with his siblings is, though I do think Lilith was involved…but I like to think that its similar to the Lucifer tv show…how the tense relationship is due to hurt/sense of betrayal. Also will prob touch upon an idea that I came across on the net in regards to Luci and jesus.

But enough rambling.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter…helps to build up to the House of Asmodeus episode.

Also…while harry's constant 'bullying' of Malfoy might be extreme….it serves a purpose. Beyond showcasing that Harry's morality has become twisted during his time in Hell.

Also….the conversation with Lucius covers something I always thought as odd in regards to British wizarding society. That being the continued pure blood rhetoric despite the first defeat of Voldemort. Of course Sirius reveals in book 5 that not everyone can be divided between Death Eaters and non Death Eaters. But still makes me question why 'Imperiused' Death Eaters continued to act in a manner that contradicted their claims of innocence.

Something to consider.

Til next time.