Although she had often complained about the ability to hear every screaming match that happened within the confines of the manor, especially when said screams had more to do with her parents' sex life than any argument, this was perhaps the first time in years where Octavia had shed tears during her unintended eavesdropping.

For while things in the Goetia household had been far less confrontational since her mother decided to become an active participant in her father's relationship with the clownish Imp, it was now obvious that her mother had treated the 'arrangement' as a temporary solution to their problems.

While her father had clearly been operating under the belief that everything was ok.

"I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this Stella. The last time we shared Blitzy you were perfectly happy with his…services. Even if you hurt his feelings by refusing to compliment him for his technique."

"Well I wouldn't be making such a big deal about 'this' if it WASN'T FOR THE FACT THAT YOU POSTED SOME OF YOUR PICTURES ON VOXXGRAM!"

"Well Stella, it was a spur of the mo…"

"DO YOU NOT REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!"

Cringing a little at the shrill tones of her clearly angry mother, Octavia was uncertain if she should be annoyed or worried for her father.

Because when her mom's voice carried that particular mix of anger and fear, it was obvious that someone had crossed a line that the older avian woman was always seeking to remain on the right side of.

"It's bad enough that you took pictures of you and that…that IMP after you had soiled our bed. But to put little hearts around his head, AND to be wearing attire that makes it plain that you are NOT in the dominant role? That goes TOO far Stolas!"

"Well dear, I thought it might cheer him up a little since he's been feeling depressed lat.."

"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF THAT PATHETIC IMP IS FEELING DEPRESSED! The only reason I tolerated him for the past four years is because we could at least make the claim that he was just a sex toy to spice things up in the bedroom. But now, you're practically telling all of Hell that you've fallen in love with an Imp. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF HOW THIS WILL REFLECT ON THE REST OF THE FAMILY?!"

Though she could accurately guess where her mother was going with this, she was still somewhat shocked by the older Demon's answer.

For while it was obvious that there was a certain degree of self-preservation in the answer, it was also made clear that there was a reason why her mother was more politically minded than her father.

"You have basically painted a target on all of our backs Stolas. Princes, Overlords, The Seven, maybe even Lucifer himself would have accepted using that Imp as a way to improve our marriage. But viewing him as more than just a well-trained fuck toy? Are you deliberately trying to bring ruin to this family? Or are you just that FUCKING STUPID!?"

It pained her to admit it, but her mother was right.

While she personally didn't have any problems with treating Imps as equals, largely because she had seen firsthand what Harry's mother was capable of whenever she got pissed, Octavia knew that she was in the minority.

It was ok to treat Imps as servants, employees, or even as sex objects.

But for a higher-ranking member of Hell to be interested in an Imp for reasons that went beyond the physical, there was no surer way of losing the security that could only come from being respected by the powers of Hell.

Which is why she understood her mother's announcement.

Even if it did bring tears to her face.

"I'm taking Octavia with me to my brother's, and I'll be having my solicitor draw up the necessary papers for you to sign. It will take some time, but I think I'll be able to salvage something of the reputation you so carelessly destroyed."

"You are NOT taking my daughter from me Stella."

Though infinitely pleased that even with his marriage ending her father's first thought was of her, even if she wished that he had made some effort to keep it together, Octavia knew that her mother had won the argument with her next line of reasoning.

"And what do you think will happen if she stays with you? By the time it is time for her to inherit your position she will have no allies amongst the aristocracy, which you know is essential if she is to survive past the first week in her new position. And while it is likely that she will have the Boy to call upon for help, I sincerely doubt that an assassin can withstand the full might of a coalition. Which is something she will be faced with since your perversities have robbed her of the respect your title should have given her."

"And yet you believe that by divorcing me, and keeping my daughter will…"

'Will at least give us the chance to make it plain that we recognize that we can't rely on an Imp infatuated moron protection? That is EXACTLY what I believe. I suspect that in the coming months I may have to debase myself by sleeping with a few members of our former circle in order, but considering that they, unlike you, are able to get hard without the aid of a mentally deficient Imp, the experience will probably be somewhat enjoyable."

Doing her best not to retch at the more descriptive reminder of her parents' sex life, Octavia found her eyes widening as her father asked a question that reminded her of the heartfelt conversation they had had four years ago.

"This is because you think I love Blitzy more than this family, isn't it?"

"No. It's because I know you love your precious 'Blitzy' more than you do me. Which means that the only way I can protect our daughter is by ensuring we have as fresh a start as possible."

Turning on her stereo once it became clear that nothing new could be added to this conversation, the teenaged owl Demon allowed her mind to ponder her uncertain future as she felt tears run down her face.

All because her dad had to fall in love with the most dysfunctional Imp in all of Hell.

…..

While he could appreciate his son's desire to be left alone, for it was not every day that one discovered that they could have been spared years of abuse if hadn't been for the glaring flaws of a hidden society's legal system, Moxxie was nevertheless concerned by the lack of noise that was coming from his son's room.

Loud displays of anger he could easily handle. Especially since the methods he used to calm Millie down could usually be used to snap Harry out of whatever murderous mindset he was in.

But since there was no sound of violent video games being played, knives being sharpened, or even the familiar sound of magazines being loaded with the type of ammo that most human gang bangers would kill to have, the white-haired Imp felt that he had cause for concern.

Especially since it was obvious that Millie wasn't going to do anything to help their son process his turbulent feelings in a manner that most would consider to be healthy.

"Which one do you think will work better Moxxie? Personally, I'd go with a two-sided ax since it's deadly no matter which side you use. But since he's doing so well in school, I thought that we'd get him that M134 Minigun we were planning to give him for his birthday. Might be a bit hard to keep it in ammo, but I think we have enough money stashed away to afford fifteen minutes of continuous fire."

Normally he wouldn't be too overly concerned by this topic of conversation since he knew full well that his wife was more enthusiastic about the tools of their trade than he was.

But it was obvious that this time Millie had something more in mind than simply rewarding their child for his academic achievements.

"Do you think canine Sinners are as agile as Hellhounds or other dog-like Demons? I mean, I know they're not as durable, and they don't heal as fast, but I can't remember if they can run faster than a native Demon dog or slower."

Giving his wife a look that he normally reserved for their employer, Moxxie voiced an opinion that he suspected Millie would find to be disagreeable.

"I don't know Honey. But I'm thinking that maybe it would be better if we didn't plan to kill the messenger since it's clear that Black truly cares for our son."

Of course that turned out to be the wrong thing to say.

"Then why the hell did he turn his back on him to hunt down the traitor? Okay fine, he at least made sure he was in the hands of a confirmed ally before he went to have his revenge, but his FIRST responsibility should have been Harry's wellbeing. Which means that he is as guilty as that rat is for the abuse our son suffered before we adopted him."

Though agreeing in spirit with Millie's argument, for Black should have prioritized his godson's wellbeing over his desire for vengeance, Moxxie nevertheless had to voice his own opinion's regarding Black's 'failure'.

"I…have to disagree. I fully agree with you that Black should have stayed with his now orphaned godson instead of handing him off, but considering he was likely racked by grief, it's kinda obvious someone took advantage of his emotional state."

While he could tell that his wife didn't really agree with him, the white-haired Imp was happy to note that she was at least willing to give his words some consideration.

"Hmmm. I suppose. But even if he does have an excuse, pitiful it might be, I still say the best way for our boy to get better is to the monsters that caused him to have a crappy childhood. His so-called relatives have already paid the price of being abusive assholes, and we can't really track down Magic Hitler since he's currently a mutilated disembodied spirit. But the rat? That cowardly, backstabbing rodent, he IS going to die in the most gruesome way I know how."

Fearfully nodding his head in agreement, for when Millie got THAT look in her eyes the safest thing to do was to agree with whatever she said, Moxxie waited until the look was gone before shifting his attention towards his son's room.

His fatherly instincts were telling him to offer some words of comfort. And perhaps tell his son that maybe he should consider Black's request to let him atone for his mistakes by serving as his personal attack dog.

Such an offer of course would probably decrease the canine Sinner's chances of having a long afterlife.

But considering Black had become part of Princess Charlotte's doomed experiment to get a Sinner into Heaven, Moxxie doubted that would change his afterlife span in any measurable way.

….

Though he knew he would probably get into shit once his parents realized that he wasn't brooding in his bedroom, Harry nevertheless felt that he deserved some time out of the house considering the information he had just been given.

He knew of course that his family would have his back once he decided to start hunting for the miserable rodent who condemned him to six years of abuse. But since he was still unsure how he wanted to deal with the man who had suffered just as much as he had, perhaps more considering the nature of Magical Britain's justice system, he preferred to be alone with his thoughts.

Or at least he would have been alone if it wasn't for the fact that one of his best friends had indicated that they really, REALLY, didn't want to be alone as she dealt with her crappy situation.

And considering an ugly upcoming divorce trumped the realization that there was another person responsible for his miserable childhood, Harry had no issue in prioritizing Octavia's emotional state over his own.

Especially since he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut while the avian girl vented her frustrations.

"I knew this was gonna happen eventually. Hard not to when Dad's always giggling like a school girl whenever he thinks of the Imp. But honestly, I'm surprised that it's taken this long to happen."

Frowning a little at the dismissive title Octavia had used for Blitzo, for he still had some empathy, mixed with sympathy for his employer thanks to their shared experience with the pedo government agents, Harry wisely decided not to mention this as he asked a question that was undoubtedly on his friend's mind.

"So what you gonna do? I mean, if you need a place to stay I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind helping out."

Receiving a small smile from the pink eyed Demon, Harry wasn't too surprised by her response.

"Appreciate the offer, but Mom would throw a fit if I did. Don't get me wrong she still approves of you, and perhaps your dad considering he helped you take out an Overlord. But since your employer has a nasty habit of hiding in closets, I seriously doubt that she would let me sleep over."

Nodding his head in agreement, for despite helping his dad with their security system Blitzo still managed to be a regular unwanted visitor into his parents' room, the green-eyed pre-teen felt himself frown as Octavia voiced another concern.

"And considering the separation means that we'll have to rely on my uncle for a bit, perhaps longer if Mom's networking skills aren't up to snuff, I suspect that it will be some time before we can just hang out like this. Uncle Andrealphusis a bit more….conservative when it comes to relationships between the classes. Though maybe once he learns you have Lucifer's interest, as well as the Radio Demon's, he might allow you to visit."

Doing his best not to frown as he recalled some of the stories he had heard of Stella's more snooty sibling, Harry allowed his concerned frown to morph into a scowl as his avian friend reminded him that he still had an unresolved issue to deal with.

"Anyways, enough about my problems. Have you decided what your gonna do with your new mutt? I mean don't get me wrong, having a canine Sinner in your debt would probably be useful. But since Sinner's are forbidden from leaving Hell, he wont be much help in tracking down the Rat."

Conceding the point with a nod, even if it wasn't new information since his mom had basically said the same thing, the green eyed dragon Demon could only shrug his shoulders in response.

"I dunno. I suppose I could accept his offer, even if Mom would prefer to use him for target practice. But considering he's currently employed with my boss's ex, plus the fact that Loona hates him, I doubt accepting his offer would lead to a calm working atmosphere."

His reasoning earned him a look that clearly stated that she didn't think much of his answer.

"Considering you're in the business of killing people, I wouldn't exactly call your working environment 'calm'. Especially with an Imp like the circus clown as your boss."

Bowing his head in acknowledgment, for even if he did like working at I.M.P. he could not deny that the job wasn't exactly a place for those who enjoyed peace and quiet, Harry was prevented from offering a more verbal reply as Octavia made a suggestion that was far better than what he could have come up with.

At least at this point in time.

"My opinion is you keep him at arm's length while accepting his apology. From what you've told me, he seems like the kind of guy who would respect your decision to not have him in your life, but would come running if you really needed it. Always good to leave something of a bridge intact IF you truly need it."

Grudgingly nodding his head, for even if Black was innocent of the crimes of murder he still wanted to do something to 'reward' him for his role in his being handed off to the Dursely's, though not to the same extent as his Mom, Harry felt himself stiffen as he felt a sensation on his cheek that he had only experienced before from his mother and grandmother.

"Anyways, though it pains me to do so, I gotta be getting back before they realize I flew the coop. I'll talk to you later Harry."

Nodding dumbly as he watched his friend leave in a manner that was similar to her father, albeit with a portal that was colored pink instead of purple, Harry wasn't sure if he should feel happy or fearful as he realized that he had just received his first kiss.

For on one hand it meant that despite her depressing circumstances, Octavia still viewed him as a friend.

But on the other hand, said friend's father possessed the power to turn him into a small bloody smear with only a snap of his fingers.

Better to keep this to himself.

Even if it did run the risk of pissing off a certain Hellhound in the future.

…..

Savoring the warmth that was coursing through his body, though he would have vastly preferred to have been drinking a tall glass of fire whiskey instead of a martini, Sirius managed to resist the urge to scowl as a certain spider summed up the story he had just been told.

"So lets see if I got this right Fido. You and your Disney loving baby sister, and her psycho girlfriend, willingly went into a place of business where the employees wouldn't think twice of killing you, just so you could tell some happily adopted kid that you wanted to apologize for his crappy toddler years? Yeah you clearly need to be spending more time outta the hotel. Our land lady's craziness is starting to rub off on ya."

Shooting the fluffy arachnid a look that stated that he was unimpressed with his summarization, the black-furred canine felt a small smirk spread across his features as his favorite bartender revealed that she was on his side.

Even if her choice of words was different than what he would have used.

"I dunno Angie. Considering he pussied out the first time he tried apologizing, I would say that maybe all that time with the princess has done him good. I don't exactly agree with what she's trying to do, but I have to admit that it takes some guts to try and redeem the irredeemable. Especially a Sinner like you Angie."

Doing his best not to laugh at the sight of Angel pouting, Sirius quickly adopted a more thoughtful expression as the spider Demon managed to come up with a rather interesting retort to his friend's observation.

"Eh I suppose you have a point. Even if it is a crazy idea you gotta give the broad credit for sticking with the idea. Even if every being in Hell knows that those winged pricks are more likely to stab a Demon than to open the door into their home. The only worthwhile thing that crazy dame has done is to give Sinners time to get their act together so they can more or less survive in this place. I mean look at me. Thanks to having a clean and secure place to sleep the night away, I was able to carve out a piece of real estate for myself and my bestest friend once Val got what was coming to him. If I hadn't, well I think its safe to say that it would be another grinning face running this joint instead of yours truly."

This wasn't the first time he had heard someone make the observation that the Hazbin Hotel was a more effective sanctuary than a, as Husker put it, a rehab center.

And considering what he had learned about the Exorcists, who by all accounts were the only members of Heaven to ever descend into Hell, the likelihood of any 'redeemed' Sinner getting anywhere near the pearly gates was rather slim.

"Hey Fido. I know what I just said was profound and all, but if you wanna keep the best seat of the house to yourself, you gotta pay to play."

Snapped out of his thoughts by the mocking tone of the now grinning Spider, Sirius allowed a touch of his former roguish self to shine through as he shot a look towards the one-eyed bartender.

"Well I don't know about 'play'. But if Ms. Bomb would kindly keep the drinks coming, I'd be more than happy to pay whatever she wants."

Though earning a frown from the white-furred Sinner, the former Gryffindor was pleased to find that his comment had earned a teasing smile from the highly attractive cyclops.

"Provided you still have enough cash by the time my shift's done, I wouldn't mind seeing if you're up for something a little more fun than watching me mix drinks."

Nodding his head to show that he would in fact be interested in such a thing, and doing his best not to react too perversely as he noticed that the one eyed hottie had put a little extra sway to her hips as she returned to her job, Sirius managed to keep himself from jumping as he felt a deceptively soft hand grip his sholder.

"While it's nice to see your social development in action Blackie, let me just give you a piece of advice. You do anything to hurt her and…"

"And you'll be the one to make me regret it?"

Having heard variations of this threat many times before during his wild teenage years, especially when Lily had begun to take an interest whenever James served as his wingman, the black furred Sinner was somewhat surprised by the look of dark amusement that had come over Angel's face.

"Nope. What I was going to say was that I will be the one putting you out of your misery since my gal pal is quite capable of dealing with her own problems. So if I were you, I'd keep any leg-humping tendencies to yourself until she indicates that she's willing to take you for a ride."

Knowing that wasn't an idle threat, Sirius merely nodded his head in acceptance as he turned his attention back towards his current activity.

Originally, he had accepted Angel's offer to spend a night of discount drinking since it allowed him to not only ogle attractive women but also drown the depression he felt at having his Godson respond to his offer in a way that was more akin to a Slytherin than that of a Gryffindor.

But since he now had a date with a woman whose figure was slightly curvier than that of a certain Hogsmeade bartender, who sadly have never experimented with the muggle fashion of showing lots of skin, Sirius now had to watch what he drank in order to ensure that he was fully prepared for anything.

For even if his progress with Harry was currently limited due to the boy's justified mistrust, that didn't mean that he couldn't have some fun in the mean time.

Even if said fun would likely result in heavy, if not violent diaproval from his land ladies.

…

ANNNND that's another chapter down.

As always I am very happy with the continued support for this story, and the suggestions in plot.

Now to briefly summarize what has happened so far.

The ending of the 'arrangment' between Stolas, Stella, and Blitzo has finally happened. I had hinted at it's eventuality in another chapters (specifically Blitzo's drug induced hallucination in the DHORK arc). And it allows me to continue this story as close to cannon as possible, but also allows me to use my own perceptions/biases.

As stated previously, I am a fan of the plot type that is more sympathetic to Stella's situation, and ensuring that her concerns about Stolas's 'Imp fetish' are more due to the belief that they will cause their family to lose the safety and security that comes from being respected members of Hell's elite. Also wanted to get Octavia's viewpoint for this since we haven't really seen how she reacted to her parent's separation in canon (still waiting for episode 8 lmao). So this is how I think it would go.

Millie of course is still the overly protective/violent parent when it comes to Harry. With Moxxie rightfully telling her that they should be focusing their attention towards Pettigrew.

Harry and Octavia talking together about their situations. With the teenaged owl Demon giving Harry the advice that's needed to avoid falling into a common fanfic plot line (i.e. instantly forgiving Sirius). And yes I am aware that I might be using Harry's childhood trauma a 'little' too much, but its important for these types of things.

AND yes. It might have just been on the cheek, and it MIGHT not have been a full conscious decision on her part. But Harry's first non familial kiss is from Octavia.

And lastly, decided to throw Sirius a bone. That particular segment of course also had Angel touching upon the idea that the Hazbin/Happy Hotel is better as a sanctuary/therapy center for Sinners than a place for them to become redeemed. Since there is no new canon material to go with, using the info I got from a video where Angel sadly pays the price when Charlie introduces him to a Exorcist to justify that sort of thinking. And as for Cherri going on a date with Sirius due to his sudden backbone (i.e. walking into a place where heavily armed people don't like so he can apologize), I think it's safe to say that Sirius deserved something good in his life.

Anyways….hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Maybe one more holiday break chapter before Harry is back at Hogwarts, new purge day, and then FINALLY the House of Asmodeus. But still up in the air.

Plz review. No flames.

Til next time.