"Much better atmosphere," Lucifer said, clearly enjoying himself. Then he finally brought out the gift, lid of the ornate box lifted on its own, releasing a burst of light that filled the clearing. When it dimmed, girls gasped. It was a crystalline lotus, breathtakingly beautiful, twenty-four petals in total, each one reflecting a shifting array of colors. The light danced across them like living magic.
"It's gorgeous," Daphne whispered, cradling it carefully in both hands, her smile growing brighter by the second.
Hermione leaned in to see closely, "It's too detailed to be just decoration. What does it do?" She knew her boyfriend well. He favored things that were both gorgeous, practical, and would never give Daphne a mere ornament.
"Aren't you a good girl? Each petal holds a spell, for combat and defense, others for daily use." Lucifer began listing them casually, but he also couldn't stop a smug grin, "Temperature control, De-humidify, Cleaning, Charging, Summon.. pretty much every useful charm you could think of. Wear it, and you'll be able to cast them all---no wand, no effort, equivalent to silent casting."
The girls' jaws dropped. Crafting it hadn't been overly complicated, but balancing many spell matrices together had taken time. Carving the magical circuit work had been delicate, precision work, and the material itself was nearly priceless, pure magic crystal, a gift from Nicolas Flamel. The stuff was so rare the world barely produced a hundred pieces a year.
By the time he finished explaining, Daphne's entire face was glowing with delight. The other girls looked like they were seconds away from turning green with envy.
"Lucifer," Astoria said softly, half laughing, half exasperated, "You're basically turning my sister into a complete freeloader." She was already lazy enough, now had such a perfect tool for cutting corners. 'That was dangerous!'
Daphne gasped in mock outrage, glaring at her, "Astoria! How can you say that about your dear sister? You're just jealous, Lucifer's the best."
"I am not," Astoria protested quietly, but her tone didn't sound convincing at all. Lucifer chuckled, rubbed her head. She caught his look, smiled knowingly, and thought, 'Don't worry, big sister. I'll get mine soon enough.'
Hermione, too---Lucifer made sure she caught a subtle hint that she'd have her turn, too. By the end, most sparks of envy had melted into laughter, when he treated everyone fairly. Luna had prepared a 'Cheating Quill', that could even ghost write homework, but it also lounged a narrowed eye at the top, which made you feel guilty doing it.
xxxxxx
{P.S. Albus, be careful of Ilvermorny.
There's an infectious vampire named Lester. That bastard Death eater's family, Graham brought him from North America.}
{P.P.S. Don't forget next term's advanced salary. Just drop it directly into my Gringotts account.}
"What the hell?"
Dumbledore inhaled deeply through his nose. Was Voldemort's curse really this vicious? At the very end of the school year, yet again, Remus Lupin, his 'Defense Against the Dark Arts' professor had bolted. That alone wasn't new, he'd grown used to this miserable routine over the years.
But the rest of the letter, it was the real bombshell, Alastair Moody was demanding he be paid early. And that last warning, a vampire named Lester, brought over by 'Ilvermorny?'
A murderous aura flickered for just an instant. The old man's eyes narrowed, rarely anger stirred in him.
But even if he wanted to drag Richard in for questioning, he had no grounds. A few words in a professor's letter weren't evidence.
Lester Howell, clearly a German surname, was a half-blood born from a vampire-human union. And in this world, vampires weren't elegant aristocrats from Muggle novels and films. They were... grotesque. So an interspecies pairing like this was something akin to Hagrid's birth story, requiring a downright heroic level of courage.
There had been rare cases of vampires and humans producing offspring before, but Lester was different. He not only had a wizard's spellcasting talent but also vampire agility and an affinity for Dark energy.
The worst part? He only fed on wizards, could easily tell apart from a Muggle at a glance, and he could infect others, those bitten by him would also develop bloodlust.
xxxxxx
When plates 'finally' cleared at the end of the term feast, everyone assumed Dumbledore would declare the House Cup winner. Instead, he raised a hand, "Please be patient. We have a group of special guests arriving shortly."
Special guests?
There was no time to speculate. The heavy oak doors swung open, and Cornelius Fudge strode in with a dozen wizards dressed in their finest. He was a familiar face from the newspapers, and many students recognized him instantly.
Dumbledore went up to greet him with a warm hug. Photographers clicked away rapidly, capturing the moment. Standing near the high table, he projected his voice clearly. "Let us welcome our 'Minister for Magic,' Mr. Cornelius Fudge!"
Smiling with that polished friendliness like every other politician practiced, he waved to the four long tables. Tonight's true focus was Lucifer, but that didn't stop Fudge from soaking up some attention before the award.
"It's an honor to return to Hogwarts, especially for such an uplifting occasion," Fudge said cheerfully. "The wizards accompanying me tonight are all members of the 'Order of Merlin.' Each of them is a pillar of our magical society.... We have gathered here to recognize the contributions of Lucifer Morningstar to the Wizarding world and to present him with the First Class Order of Merlin!"
All eyes shifted to Lucifer in an instant. Under the weight of a thousand stares, Hermione's doeful chocolate eyes, he rose and walked toward the high table.
Lucifer was in such a good mood that he didn't even care that Fudge was using him as a prop for show. He went along with tedious award ceremony without complaint. Still smiling beside Fudge as they posed for the photo, the boy's grin grew even brighter, this time with real delight.
"Perhaps.... it's a little early to say this, but after you graduate, come to the Ministry of Magic, our great Britain needs talents like you, I need talents like you." Once the ceremony ended, Fudge patted his shoulder, speaking with great sincerity.
Lucifer nodded with a polite smile. "If there's a chance, I'll visit the Ministry." Never mind what he'd even do at the Ministry, just the idea of Fudge still being in office by the time he graduated was already impossible.
Only after Fudge left with his entourage did the students begin snapping out of their stunned daze. The newspapers might have mentioned once or twice that Lucifer would receive the 'First-Class Order' of Merlin, but since it had never happened, everyone had just kind of forgotten.
A thirteen year old holder of a 'First-Class Order of Merlin?' That was like reciting "Macarena" while someone next to you casually wins a Nobel Prize. The gap between people felt wider than the gap between humans and goblins. Dumbledore didn't give them much time to process it. Fudge had taken far too long with the ceremony, and there were still announcements to be made.
"Thank you, Mr. Morningstar, for bringing Hogwarts an honor unprecedented in history. He is the youngest recipient ever recorded. For this, I award Slytherin 500 points. This year's House Cup needs no suspense."
"Congratulations to Slytherin for securing the Cup for another year!"
The matter with Peter Pettigrew was still unresolved, and Fudge had requested that Dumbledore keep it confidential so Barty Crouch wouldn't have the chance to interfere. So, this was the only way he could publicly reward Lucifer.
The students barely reacted. With or without 500 points, the result wasn't going to change, they just offered a token round of applause. Even the Slytherins didn't seem overly excited, after so many consecutive wins, they were used to it, last year was just a fluke of Dumbledore going barmy, he had awarded Lucifer's points to Gryffindor.
He hadn't been paying much attention, but when he saw Dumbledore closely, froze for half a second. Then a slow smile spread across his face. So, Professor... you finally couldn't resist.
The old wizard still looked energetic and sharp. Even McGonagall and Snape, who knew him best, didn't notice anything unusual.
But Lucifer did. There was a faint but unmistakable purity to phoenix bloodline now flowing through Dumbledore, strong as he was, still carried the scent of decline and twilight.
But now, while not brimming with youth, his life force had steadied. Like a healthy man in his forties, past his peak, perhaps, but stable and solid. Of course, the most important change wasn't his body, but resolve.
For years Albus'd longed for death, longing for that next great adventure, Lucifer had given him the bloodline fusion potion two and a half months ago. He honestly thought Dumbledore would never take it, turned out he just needed time to think.
Things were about to get interesting.
His grin widened. A wizard whose body returned to its prime and whose spirit no longer withered would only grow stronger than ever.
Voldemort was in 'for' a rough future.
Once applause faded, Dumbledore's expression turned serious, "Another unforgettable school year has come and gone. Over these months we experienced a great deal, far more than one would imagine. I believe all of you have grown because of it."
It was the final speech of the year.
"First, I must thank our Duel Tournament's Competitors for their outstanding performance. You embodied every admirable quality of a Hogwarts student."
The students who'd been singled out shifted awkwardly in their seats. Hermione promptly buried her face in her arms on the table, the tips of her ears turning pink in a way that was painfully cute.
"A single victory or defeat means little," Dumbledore however continued with a smile, knowing he was embarrassing those, his eyes twinkled, "What matters is what you learned from it. Your horizons have widened, the world is vast. Britain is your beginning, but it should never be your end. I hope you go out and explore, see for yourselves..."
"Unfortunately, this is not a good moment to do so. I urge you to be cautious when planning any holiday travel."
Gellert Grindelwald.
Even though the Dark Lord had been lounging under noses for over a month without a single clash, the two sides were still rivals, and everyone knew it.
He might be vacationing at Hogwarts, but his Acolytes certainly weren't idle. The news was filled with conflict every few days, and his territory had grown considerably compared to when the "Blood Pact" was signed.
"If you find yourselves in danger, contact your House head immediately. The school will always be your strongest support. Now, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your holidays."
"We will meet again in September!"
xxxxxxx
At the Seventh Floor,
"Riddle, you finally showed up."
The portraits all opened their eyes. Phineas Black, of all people, was actually smiling as he greeted him, "I knew our noble 'Black family' could never produce a traitor. That filthy rat, Peter, dared to slander a Black. If I were still alive, I'd have skinned him and turned him into a rug."
"Thanks to you exposing him, I thank you on behalf of all the 'Black family."
The other Headmasters understood immediately why Phineas, who usually argued with Lucifer, had suddenly warmed up. Sirius Black was the last male heir of the family, the key to continuation of a great pure-blood line. If they had learned they weren't going extinct after all, would have reacted the same, probably even more dramatically.
Lucifer raised a brow. "Verbal thanks only? No sincerity?"
"Sincerity?" Phineas blinked, "What do you expect from a portrait? If you want money or treasure, go and ask my great-grandson. Our Black family has many failings, but lack of wealth is not one of them."
"True, Sirius is much more generous than you. He's already planning to give me full access to the family's secret texts and spells."
"What?!" Phineas' pleasant expression shattered instantly. "That reckless fool! He's handing over the Black family's foundation?!"
Money he did not care about. But the heritage was different. If Morningstar learned the Black secrets, he could pass them on. The family's uniqueness would 'vanish!'
"You're just a painting. Don't stress over it." Ignored Phineas' indignant yelling, Lucifer instead picked up Fawkes, who had awakened during the conversation. "Chirp!" (Brother! You came to see me!)
"Yeah, you worked hard this year."
Lucifer took out the herbs he'd prepared and let Fawkes enjoy a proper meal. During the year, he had delivered the ingredients Hagrid collected to Greengrass estate perfectly without complaint.
xxxxxxx
'Knock!'
After removing stone gargoyle at the entrance of the Headmaster's office and personally watching Dumbledore conjure a shabby wooden door to cover the entryway, he seized the bit of time he had left and hurried off to bother Snape.
With the help of WhatsApp, he contacted Harry, who used 'the Marauder's Map', helping Lucifer intercepting him precisely in the courtyard garden.
"Morningstar, what do you want now?" Snape immediately took two wary steps back. He was honestly terrified of Lucifer by now.
Every time he actively sought him out, there was a ninety percent chance it spelled trouble and a ten, it was something good, though even such were the kind which made him deeply uncomfortable. Awkward, hurtful, neither here nor there.
But no matter which outcome it was, Lucifer always left him thoroughly exhausted.
Snape layered every mental shield he had in place, "It's the holidays. I'm under no obligation to answer your questions. And that... potion, you already have it. Now get out of my way. If you miss the train tomorrow due to late sleep, how exactly do you plan on getting home?"
"See you next term, Morningstar."
But Lucifer didn't seem bothered by the icy dismissal. He took two effortless steps forward, positioning himself squarely in Snape's path, voice shifting into something almost gentle, "Professor, no, Severus. It's the holidays. So let's talk as friends."
Snape froze for a fraction of a second. This brat... he really knew how to step over every line with a smile.
"Are you really content with this?" He asked before his Professor could think of a way to drive him off.
"What?" Snape frowned.
Stepping closer, he lowered the voice.
"Peter Pettigrew is going to be thrown into Azkaban soon. Do you think that's justice? He's an Animagus, and knows high-level dark magic straight from Voldemort. Can you guarantee he won't escape like Black?"
Snape's expression stiffened, hatred flickering like a cold flame in his eyes. But he stayed rational, answering flatly, "What are you suggesting? The Ministry has him. What do you expect me to do?"
"Lily..." Lucifer sighed softly, "Every time I think about Harry's mother dying at Voldemort's hand with no one to avenge her, I can't help but feel regret...I heard from Professor McGonagall that she was her favorite student, gentle, kind. Just like my Hermione---"
"Enough!" Snape roared, face flushing, muscles twitching as he forced each word through clenched teeth, "Morningstar. What. Are. You. Trying. To. Say?"
"Professor, I'm giving you a chance to take revenge with your own hands, finally vent all those years of hatred. After Pettigrew is sentenced, the Ministry will escort him to Azkaban. And you'll have the perfect scapegoat," Lucifer bore a devilish grin on his face, evil drowning it by the second, "Those... Death Eaters still at large hate him, traitor who made Voldemort vanish. The only thing you lack... is power."
Pulling out a small WhatsApp notebook out, he shoved it into Snape's arms.
"Normally, common criminals are escorted by a full team of Aurors. But Pettigrew is different. He's classified as a high-threat felon. Two Auror teams at least, maybe even Dementors... If you want to strike without exposing yourself, the odds are not in your favor. There's even a risk he could use the chaos to escape. So... you'll need backup."
Snape narrowed his eyes. "And that backup is you?"
Lucifer spread his hands, and countered with leaking goodness, "Look across the whole of Britain, no, the whole world. Who else could possibly be more suitable than me?"
Not answering right away, Snape lowered his head, thinking. The brat wasn't wrong, going alone would be incredibly risky. And his greatest weakness was that he had no friends.
'Finding someone strong and trustworthy? Impossible. Which left... annoyingly... Morningstar, not because our relationship was good, it definitely wasn't.' Snape knew very clearly: Lucifer was indifferent to most things unless there was something in it for him. So this time... what did he want?
"What's your price?" He finally asked looking up, "You're bending over backward to get me to ambush Pettigrew. What do you want from me?"
The boy smiled faintly.
"Relax, Professor. It's just a token of my gratitude for rewarding me points that day at breakfast."
Snape stared at him like he'd just told the 'funniest' joke in history, the boy had demanded Quirrell pay him with teacher's salary, for a second he thought maybe.. but Morningstar should not be short on money?Greengrasses hadn't gone bankrupt.
This time, Lucifer's face darkened, he had read exactly what the guy was thinking about, "Professor, I don't live off other people. You clearly misunderstand me."
'You don't live off other people?'
Snape's lips twitched. He admitted this brat had the ability to do well on his own. But it hardly stopped him from happily accepting extravagant gifts. Looking at him now, top to bottom, there probably wasn't a single thing he was wearing that he'd bought himself. Mostly from Greengrass.
"You're ruthless, Morningstar," Snape's voice was venomous, but he'd clearly accepted, "To bribe a professor, handing 'gifts' for... mere House Points." Even knowing full well that Lucifer was using Lily's revenge, token of gratitude, he couldn't refuse. If meant Pettigrew's death... 'he'd pay.'
"Instructions are inside, Contact me anytime if you need me to make a move..." With that, Lucifer summoned Usagi, leapt onto its back, and 'flew' toward Hogsmeade Station.
xxxxxxx
When the break 'finally' arrived, the train home would leave at eleven, leaving most young witches and wizards plenty of time to sleep in.
Lucifer was up early, and headed into the Forbidden Forest. Acromantula venom needed collecting, and Hagrid mentioned a nest of Fwoopers had hatched recently, he planned to raise a few in his pocket world so he'd never run out of quill feathers again.
He now actually liked writing with quills. Sure, they were harder to use than pens or pencils, but they had a good feel. Or to put it simply, they were fun. Lastly, it was time to bring Unicorns home, they'd been out in the wild too long.
According to the centaurs, the three of them (Max, Leo, Milo) had basically become the forest warlords. Nobody dared provoke them. After making his rounds, Lucifer headed toward the Unicorn territory and found someone already there.
A blonde girl with an elven sort of air was brushing Nova's coat with practiced focus. Max and Leo stood patiently on the side, waiting their turn like well-trained pets. Lucifer didn't interrupt, choosing to lean against a tree and watched.
The elf-like girl was Luna. Aside from him, she was the only person the Unicorns would behave for, he was certain girls had a natural affinity for magical creatures. The 'Forbidden Forest' felt like home to her. She'd never once run into danger.
That, combined with her love for animals, was exactly why Lucifer asked her to visit the Unicorns when she had time. Truthfully, his relationship with her wasn't at the same level as with some of the other girls, they were good friends, but also shared a deep connection of blood.
She's family.
A sharp whinny cut into his thoughts. Milo had 'finished' getting groomed and trotted straight over to him, Lucifer wrapped an arm around her neck and gave her a few light pats.
Max and Leo panicked at being left out, they abandoned Luna and hurried over as well.
"Lucifer," Luna greeted in her soft, drifting voice that always made it sound like her soul hadn't quite caught up to her body.
"Looks like they're spotless." He nodded approvingly, "You've been doing all this work lately. I genuinely don't know what I'll do from now on."
Luna took it seriously. She tilted her head, brows lightly furrowing as she thought. "I could come to your house. If there's a fireplace."
"Deal, come once a week. I'll even pay you."
"I don't need money."
"The pay is getting up close with a Thunderbird and a phoenix. Still don't want it?"
A rare look of internal conflict crossed her face, and he almost laughed. Luna rarely showed emotions. Even when he solved her roommate's problem, she'd just thanked him earnestly, without a hint of excitement.
"...Alright," She finally conceded. "Thank you, Lucifer."
"That's just a verbal thank you?" He teased, pretending to sound disappointed, "You know how Ginny thanked me, right?"
Luna's eyes widened slightly, making them look even rounder, "Are you going to hang me up?"
"No," The boy shook his head, "That's her little hobby. Not yours." Lucifer's tone shifted as he looked her over warmly, "For you... a 'hug is enough."
She stepped in without hesitation. A soft scent of grass and herbs washed over as she wrapped her arms around him. Because her eyes were a little prominent, Luna's face looked somewhat gaunt. It always made Lucifer think she must be undernourished, that her body didn't absorb nutrients properly, which was why she seemed so thin and fragile.
But once he actually got hands-on, he realized that wasn't the case at all.
Luna's frame was different, She was petite and compact, small-boned, looked skinny, sure, but to the touch she was actually soft and pleasantly squishy.
He experimentally squeezed her cheeks a few times, then nodded to himself. Not bad, eight out of ten.
The 'full' ten still belonged to Susan, Daphne and Hermione. Alexandra earned a solid nine with Abbott, her older Valentine sister was eight. Astoria got a seven. No helping it, she only just started to put on flesh, and was a bit bony to the touch. That was on him, not her.
He made no rankings for Evelyn or Amelia, otherwise those women might have eaten his buttocks raw.
Seeing that Lucifer was showing no sign of stopping, Luna finally put some force into it and pushed him away. Her cheeks puffed out slightly, and she looked genuinely annoyed.
Fortunately, he had skin thicker than a dragon's hide, and felt no embarrassment whatsoever.
Just simply stuck with Luna and helped wash the Pandas next until they were both clean, and only then did the two of them head back to the castle for breakfast.
The Hogwarts Train departed right on time at eleven, first stop was at Harry and Ron's compartment to spend a couple of hours with them. Hermione had plonked herself down on her boyfriend's lap, her back against the window.
"There is a full bench right there," Ron said with a distant look, "Leave the man alone."
But she had something else to tell Harry, who kept giving her questioning looks the entire year, "So, because we dropped Divination and Muggle Studies, we'll be able to have a normal schedule next year and not need the damned Time-Turner..."
"I could tell it was driving her mad, so I think it's for the better," Lucifer said, smiling, which caused Hermione to give him a mild glare.
"I still can't 'believe' you didn't tell us about it," Ron said grumpily, "we're supposed to be your frie..."
That's it, his voice was now gone.
It was getting really awkward, so Lucifer tried to point out Harry's old woes, "Hey, Potter, I know that living with those scum you have to unfortunately call relatives are horrible, but try to cheer up?"
"I'm okay..." he said in response.
"Harry, you've got to come over and stay with us! I'll fix it up with mum and dad, then I'll call you. I know how to use a fellytone now-" Ron said happily.
"A 'telephone,' Ron," Hermione said curtly, "Honestly, I think you should-" she was stopped by Lucifer and she looked at him.
"He's not listening, don't waste your breath," he said and she nodded.
"And plus, it's the Quidditch World Cup this summer! How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and we'll go and see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work," Ron said in his best effort to cheer Harry up.
"Yeah... I bet the Dursleys'd be pleased to let me come... especially after what I did to Aunt Marge," he smirked as he finished talking, then played a few rounds of 'Exploding Snap' with the three of them, and did Second best only to Ron.
He looked at Lucifer with a concerned expression, "Are 'you' okay? Hermione did better than you, which I've never seen with Exploding Snap."
Before he could respond, she noticed something outside the window, "Harry, what is that?" She pointed towards it. They all looked and saw something very small and grey bobbing in and out of sight beyond the glass.
Harry stood up to get a better look, and quickly pulled the window down, putting his arm out and catching whatever it was.
It turned out to be a hyperactive Owl, and dropped a letter into Harry's seat before flying around in circles, similar to how Rowena did earlier in the year. It seemed to be very pleased with itself.
Rowena appeared in the now opened window and perched, watching the Owl closely. Crookshanks sat up at Hermione's feet and began to follow it closely with his great yellow eyes.
Hedwig clicked her beak with a sort of dignified disapproval. Eve just slept inside her cage, Lucifer was already thinking about dropping her at Lux for next year.
Ron seeming to have sensed the attention the Owl had attracted, snatched him up and out of harm's way. Harry picked up the letter and opened it, "It's from Sirius!"
"What?" Ron and Hermione asked at the same time.
"Read it aloud, Potter," Lucifer said, leaning back in his seat, making a slight more space for his girlfriend to move herself into his chest.
"Dear Harry,
I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl posts, so we should chat with our WhatsApp notebooks like usual.
A Ministry hearing will be there soon, I am currently hiding with your friend, can't tell you where, this place has a lot of protection... I do have some doubt about the owl's reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job.
There is something I never got round to telling you during our chats, I totally forgot so I thought why not just write in this letter. It was I who sent you the Firebolt---"
"Ha!" Hermione said triumphantly, not even caring what she's doing with her rubbing hips "I 'told' you it was from him!"
"Yeah, but he hadn't jinxed it, had he?" Ron asked before yelling out in pain. The tiny Owl seemed to have nibbled on his fingers a bit too hard for it to be an actually affectionate gesture.
"Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from Gringotts vault number seven hundred and eleven--my own. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.
I would also like to apologize for the fright I think I gave you, that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.
I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will be necessary coming forth at Hogwarts.
Professor McGonagall was kind enough to accept Aunt Augusta's signature, but it wouldn't be justified at the Ministry, so I thought to make it official, since I will probably have my name cleared.'
If ever you need me, write in your WhatsApp. It will connect us.
I'll write again soon.
Sirius"
Harry then looked at another slip of paper in the envelope, and he was all smiles, "Sirius approved my visiting of Hogsmeade! That'll be good for even Fudge himself, I bet!" He looked back at, "Hang on, there is a tiny PS..."
Then leaned closer to the Letter, "He says the Owl is yours Ron, since he is the reason you no longer have a rat."
"Keep him?" Ron asked with uncertainty. He looked closely for a moment, then, surprising Harry and Hermione, he held him out for Crookshanks to sniff, "What d'you reckon? Definitely an Owl?"
Crookshanks purred, content.
"That's good enough for me," Ron said, all smiles, "He's mine."
xxxxxx
When he entered the Slytherin girl's quarters, Lucifer used an 'Extension Charm' so everyone would be able to sit comfortably. Daphne had already piled up the table high with snacks, while he was away at Harry's.
And with Hannah, Ginny added in, the three girls became chipmunks on a feeding frenzy, barely stopping to breathe.
"Hmm.... who wants to travel?"
"Travel?" Ginny blinked at him, with a mouth dirty from Chocolate on the left side of her face,"Where?"
"Anywhere," Lucifer said, perking up, "Barcelona, Amsterdam, Constantinople, or even farther. Cairo wouldn't be bad either...."
"Hey, do you even have time? Won't it mess with your schedule?" The girls definitely wanted a trip, but they also knew how busy he was. Ever since break started, he'd barely spent a few days in Britain.
"I'm giving myself a month off starting tomorrow. No studying, or handling outside affairs. We'd have about a week for traveling. Does anyone have a place they want to go?"
"Egypt then," Hermione answered without hesitation, her face lighting up, "I've always wanted to see the pyramids Ginny talked. I heard original Gringotts headquarters was inside one, with tons of ancient magical artifacts."
"Okay. Pyramids it is." Lucifer glanced at the other girls to see who else was going, but strangely, none of them reacted. Only Ginny looked tense at the mention of Egypt, so she stuffed even more food into her mouth.
After a few seconds, Susan smiled warmly, which made quite a few look at her dumbly. "I hope you two have a happy trip." She had already planned a trip with Lucifer to Italy in early July, so she felt this was Hermione's date. The other girls probably had their own private trips with him too.
The train crossed Hadrian's Wall, leaving the Scottish Highlands for England. Daphne and Ginny finally ate their fill and switched topics to that year's Quidditch World Cup.
"If anyone needs tickets, ask me," She announced proudly, thumping her chest which took a full five seconds to settle down, "Friends too, I will get front row seats or private box, as many as you want."
"This... My dad should be able to get some too, right?" Ginny said, not fully convinced. The Ministry always gave employees tickets as perks, but she had no idea how many Arthur Weasley would get. Aside from Percy the oddball, her whole family were Quidditch fanatics.
"Luna, you watching the Cup?" Lucifer asked the girl by the window. She'd been reading The Quibbler since they boarded. She nodded once, then shook her head.
Ginny translated instantly, "She means either way is fine, but it depends on Mr. Lovegood."
Everyone stared. How did Ginny read that from two tiny gestures? Just then, someone knocked on the door.
It was Lucifer who raised his face at the right, he checked who it was, flicked his palm, and the locked compartment door opened a crack.
"Percy?" Ginny mouthed the name without a thought. Her brother, Percy Weasley, stood at the door looking nervous.
"Ginny-uh..." He was shifting awkwardly, while trying not to appear as overbearing, "Lucifer, could I talk to you?"
"Sure." He stood up patting his clothes, stepped out, and pulled the door closed behind him, winking at girls as he did, it almost made a loud commotion with how the squeals were being heard from behind.
The corridor was empty. The Trolley Witch had just passed, but Percy still led Lucifer over to the connector between carriages
"Can we talk now?"
He tried to recall if he'd ever interacted with Percy for more than two minutes, apart from Percy thanking him back when Ginny's Chamber of Secrets incident came to light, they'd barely spoken, or was alone for such a while.
"... I want to ask for your help." Percy took a deep breath, as if making up his mind. "I overheard a few professors saying you have a lot of influence at the Ministry, and that if anyone could help me get a position there, it'd be you." He looked up with a tense, worried expression.
Lucifer gave a noncommittal nod, "More or less." There was no value in saying further, he understood instantly what Percy wanted.
"I'm confident my marks are enough to get me into the Ministry, but I won't have any control over where I'm assigned after that..."
"So you want me to help you land the position you want?"
"Y-yes." Percy nodded again.
Asking a student several years younger than him for help was already humiliating, and asking for political favors on top of that definitely explained the awkward look he'd worn earlier.
"I'll help you for Ginny's sake, and how you have helped Hermione over the years regarding being Prefects..."
Making his tone was a deliberate choice he made, so the man could relax, and talk properly without stuttering, or flinching every second, and look Percy's eyes lit up.
"Do you have a particular Department in mind? Think it through before you decide. Don't come back asking me to redo it..."
"I won't, I promise," Percy said quickly, "Once is more than enough. I want to go to either the 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement' or the 'Department of International Magical Co-operation'. Ideally as an assistant to the Head of Department. There's a lot to learn in those positions."
"Then Co-operation it is," Lucifer decided for him, and Percy almost burst with excitement. "Crouch happens to be missing a hardworking and... enthusiastic senior assistant. Write a letter for him saying you admire him and want to work under him. Send it to me and I'll forward it for you...."
[Author's POV --- In the original timeline, Percy did work under Crouch for thirteen months, but not as an assistant. After all, most new recruits got the intern version, the kind of position Crouch couldn't even remember the name of.
And this was Crouch, a man who could speak a hundred languages and remembered every detail. The fact that he forgot Percy entirely said all you needed to know about his status at the time.
An assistant was different. That was a real secretary.]
After profuse thanks, Lucifer went back to the compartment. The moment he walked in, Ginny blurted, openly,."What did he want?"
"Nothing important. Percy was worried about his Ancient Runes score and asked me a few questions."
"Exams are over, why is he still stressing..." Ginny muttered, but didn't question it.
Lucifer had written the 'Ancient Runes' exam this year, and plenty of people had tried to get hints from him beforehand. All failed miserably, even Hermione made quite a lot of mistakes, and Percy asking for exam stuff sounded par for the course.
His reputation wasn't exactly flattering. He was very ambitious and power hungry, admired high-ranking officials to an unhealthy degree, and was willing to break from his family just to climb the ladder, Lucifer had already deduced his character.
Some upper years tried to spin Percy's behavior as some big Weasley strategy. Two-sided bet and all that.
Ridiculous. As if British wizards had that level of political foresight. And even if they did, who in their right mind would hedge their bets on Dumbledore and Fudge? If anything, you'd pick Albus and Voldemort.
That's why Fred called him a "Ministry-loving, power-hungry moron." But Lucifer didn't care, he'd rarely believed in redemption arcs, nor was he the forgiving type. Quite the opposite, what he valued was Percy's ambition and the ruthlessness to cut ties in order to climb.
For the Weasley family that was a flaw. For Percy, it was exactly the point, his parents, siblings had no ambition, no drive. 'High-ranking officials didn't need sentimental people, they needed those willing to burn bridges...' He had told Hermione over at the breakfast once.
Crouch had been openly and secretly complaining to Lucifer for weeks about overwork, which made feel bad dumping everything on him. Percy had just shown up at the perfect time.
"Enough about him," he said, clapping his hands, "We still have time before arrival. How about a 'fierce' round of Wizard Chess? I have it."
xxxxxxx
When Hogwarts Express finally reached the King's Cross station, young witches and wizards scattered toward their families, diving into rare, heartwarming reunions.
Cherish it while it lasts. Such sweet, affectionate parents usually survived about a week. Once the honeymoon period ended, every kid turned into a headache and a disappointment.
Lucifer handed the Greengrass sisters over to Evelyn first, then before he could walk Hermione through, they heard a voice from off to the side.
"Lucifer!" He turned and saw Luna standing there, waving at him, with a man that he assumed to be her father.
"You can go ahead, your Mum should be waiting," Lucifer told Hermione who reluctantly nodded, a small goodbye kiss and she walked through the barrier.
"Come sooner, I will be waiting!" And, she was gone yelling like this, giving Lucifer free time in walking up to the due of Lovegoods'
"Nice to see you, Luna. I take it this is your father?"
"Yes," She was smiling at him, "Daddy, this is who I was telling you about in my texts and when I came home for Christmas. Lucifer is probably the nicest person at Hogwarts," Luna was basically singing his praise.
"I was just being how I usually am," Lucifer said modestly.
"....My word." The man said in extreme shock, "absolutely wonderful," he smiled and even made a bodily move to get down on his knees, and kiss Lucifer's shoes.
"...Wh-there is really no need for, Luna, can you please help me with?"
"Daddy!" She said, a little upset with him, but her father seemed to have been getting a lot of passerby's attention.
"Xenophilius Lovegood, owner and editor of the Q-Quibbler, though I don't suppose you've read it, My Lord?" Guy was almost enchanted, and just couldn't believe his own eyes, now gazing at the figure of 'The Light Bringer.' himself.
"I did read quite a few which Luna gave me, besides you also helped lots in promoting my shops' items."
"That's no matter, my Lord, honored to be of use, it's usually a publication which doesn't reach Hogwarts that often, really, unless bought by a student or teacher...." Xenophilius was now receiving a glare from his daughter, he immediately stood up, not even trying to brush his clothes.
"....Well, I must be off with my Luna, it was really my past good deeds to ever being able to have been touched by Lord Morningstar, whom she has been talking almost non-stop about," He was getting more emotional by the second, which made Luna to turn red in her cheeks, her glare intensified.
xxxxxxx
"Hermione told me... there's someone dangerous out there in Wizarding world?"
"You mean Gellert Grindelwald?"
"Yes, that's the one." Mr. Granger nodded quickly.
"You don't need to worry at all," Lucifer said reassuringly, and watched how his girlfriend's cheeks were being made into a dough by her mother, "He's not actually that dangerous anymore, a bit like... well, like a certain someone from history. You can think of him as the Wizarding world's version of that guy."
"That guy?" Mr. Granger echoed, confused as they stopped at the family's car outside the parking.
"You know, Hit---"
But Mr. Granger easily caught up at the first two syllables, and immediately blurted, "The Nazi Führer?!" and cut him off, eyes wide.
Lucifer stared back at old Wendell in shock, "Uncle, you...?" He really had no fucking idea how to follow that up, just uncovered a massive secret, even Hermione Granger was stunned into silence, she had closed her mouth so tightly, her breathing was barely audible. Were her parents really English? Maybe the Grangers were Bavarians who'd snuck into Britain generations ago.
Jane waved it off casually, clearly she was the most level headed in the family of three, "So what? Of course we hate the guy for bombing London, but over the years we've realized how ahead of his time he really was... He just handled things dirty and left a bunch of parasitic vampires alive to leech off our work."
She gave her father in law a hard glare, which made Wendell cough awkwardly and hurriedly changed the subject, though he still looked worried. Even if he admired that person in secret, knew how dangerous the comparison was.
'If Lucifer was using that historical figure to describe Grindelwald, then the Wizarding world was far from peaceful... And if their current Minister was anything like Chamberlain, wasn't that even worse?'
xxxxxxx
Though Hermione had talked a lot over the school days with her family, she couldn't help but get into her old habit of launching into an explanation regarding her third year.
Both Jane and her grandfather listened with great interest, but Wendell still primarily focused on the road. He won't get distracted no matter what.
The only thing so far that bothered Jane for umpteenth, was this thing called a Boggart that almost resulted in making a ruckus to hurt the entire class of students.
She asked for what could be a fifth time, completely dropping the topic of Grindelwald until Lucifer could explain better, cause her daughter wasn't exactly reliable in such matters of being witty, "Why on Earth would they ever allow such a thing like Dementor to exist?"
"I told you Mum, The Minister called it a necessary evil, for their Wizard Prison called Azkaban. This way the Dementor's are happy, and the Ministry can divert their resources elsewhere... I'm not saying I agree with it, but that's what I believe Fudge meant," Hermione was explaining to her mother, she herself didn't know the real number of giving such an answer.
"They should be eradicated is what needs to happen," Wendell said spitefully, "Thankfully, there is a counter to them!"
"Yeah, It's called the Patronus Charm, mum, and it acts as a Shield in its base form, has the power to actually drive them off in its true form, which takes the shape of an animal," Hermione said, now smiling even more, "and Lucifer cast a Corporeal Patronus, its true form, and it took the form of a Giant Dragon!"
"A Strong Powerful memory, that's what you need right?" Wendell asked, remembering his grand daughter had mentioned that before.
"I'm sure with age you will be able to cast a Corporeal one, no problem," Jane smirked and turned back around in the seat, it made Hermione blush cutely and hid her reddish face with her hair, as she looked outside.
xxxxxxx
~Flashback~
Lucius Malfoy knew his former master all too well. The Dark Lord might have seemed generous back then, sharing his glory and power with his followers. For a while, the Death Eaters were unstoppable, a name that struck fear across the wizarding world.
But he knew better. Beneath the grandeur, Voldemort was utterly selfish, a man obsessed with proving he was supreme, unique, untouchable. After reading the records about Horcruxes, Lucius was certain he had stumbled upon the Dark Lord's ultimate secret.
No wonder Voldemort always boasted that he had conquered death, that he had gone 'further' than anyone else in his quest for immortality.
Now it all made sense. But the more you know, the sooner you die.
And he had given one of the Dark Lord's Horcruxes to Weasely, in turn Dumbledore. What 'kind' of madman does something that suicidal?
Voldemort was still alive somewhere, Lucius was sure of it. And when he returned and learned what he had done, the punishment would be unimaginable. But that wasn't even the worst of it.
The real danger was that Lucius now knew what a Horcrux was. Voldemort wasn't the kind of master who valued honesty or 'forgiveness.' He used 'Legilimency' on his subordinates all the time.
And how does a man like Voldemort deal with someone who knows too much? Lucius would have bet the entire "Malfoy fortune" that there was only one answer: 'To eliminate the problem.' That's why he always said Morningstar had ruined his life. The moment he heard the word, "Soul piece" his 'fate' was no longer his own, he knew exact branch of magic, and researched it. Horcrux.
"What do I do? What do I do?"
He paced in circles, mind racing for a solution that didn't exist, was too weak, utterly powerless against Voldemort. And if he died, what would become of Narcissa and Draco? They'd be left defenseless, picked apart by vultures until nothing remained. "Father! There's a letter for you, from Lucifer!" Draco's voice called from the library door.
Lucius Malfoy froze. Then, like a drowning man seeing a rope, he bolted toward the sound.
xxxxxx
With a 'flash' of flame, Fawkes appeared, letting out a cheerful trill.
"Chirrp-!" 'Brother, I've come to visit!'
"From Dumbledore?" Lucifer took the letter tied to Fawkes's leg and opened it. "Since you're here, stay a while," he told the phoenix, "In a few days I'll be leaving Britain."
"Chirrrp!" Fawkes brushed his warm feathers against the bot's cheek in a cheerful nuzzle. 'No problem. I'll drop off the message and be right back.'
He finished the letter quickly.
Dumbledore was inviting him to attend a hearing in three days' time, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew's case was being reopened. But Lucifer wasn't the least bit interested, and sent Fawkes back with a polite refusal.
He'd rather spend that time making Ricecake with Kanae, and Shinobu, his lovely Butterfly sisters, and eat the two women at night.
xxxxxx
Lucifer actually didn't care what happened to Sirius after handing over to Remus, but Harry did, every day, the boy waited anxiously for news, in a restless kind of dog.
Whenever Hedwig brought the morning paper, he would devour every word, hoping for any hint that his godfather might 'finally' be cleared. But the papers stayed silent.
Until that morning, the doorbell at 'Number Four, Privet Drive' rang, sharp and unexpected. Severus Snape was standing on the doorstep, expressionless as ever.
"You?!" Petunia Dursley frowned at him in shock. At first, she only felt an odd sense of recognition, but when her gaze dropped to his long black robes, it hit her. Her old neighbor, her sister's classmate.
"What is it, dear?"
Vernon hurried from the living room, alarmed by his wife's shriek.
"Who are you? What are you doing on my doorstep? We don't want your kind here!" he barked, eyes flicking nervously to the wand-shaped bulge beneath Snape's cloak.
The robe said it all, wizard. And the Dursleys wanted nothing to do with that world. If not for that boy, they would never have had to endure such freakish company.
Snape's face didn't so much as twitch. At their hostility, his voice was calm and flat, "I'm not here for you. I need to speak with Harry Potter."
"No!" Vernon puffed up like an angry boar, he exploded, "That old man promised me! The boy stays under our care during the holidays. I won't have any of you weirdos hanging around my house!"
"Snape?" Harry had crept from his cupboard at the sound of shouting. The sight of Potions Master standing in his doorway made him freeze.
"Manners," Snape snapped automatically, his mask of disdain slipping neatly into place, "Even on holiday, I'm still your professor. How do you greet a teacher, Potter?"
Harry swallowed his annoyance, and lowered eyes a bit "Sorry, Professor. You just... 'surprised me."
As much as he disliked the man, Snape was the first wizard he'd seen all summer, and perhaps might have news, he waited for.
"I'm taking Potter with me," Snape said simply. Seeing Harry behave for once, his tone softened a fraction as he addressed the Dursleys, "I need him to attend an important matter."
"I already told you-no!" Vernon thundered again, "He stays here. You can talk to him when school starts again!"
Snape ignored him entirely. Instead his dark eyes turned toward Petunia, voice quieter now, but heavier, it was a complicated expression, "Evans. One of the men responsible for your sister's death has been caught... I'm taking the boy to witness his trial. Do you really mean to stop me?"
"The man who killed Lily..." Petunia's voice broke. Her eyes widened. "But wasn't he already-? The Dark Lord killed her. I saw the scar..."
She glanced at Harry, at the lightning mark on his forehead. For the first time, Harry realized Aunt Petunia knew far more about the Wizarding world than she ever let on.
"She was betrayed," Snape said evenly, "And the traitor has been found."
"Who was it?" She whispered.
"Peter Pettigrew."
Petunia's breath caught. The name conjured a memory, an awkward, rat-faced man she'd met at Lily's wedding. She hadn't stayed long, but that one face had stuck with her, it was disturbingly unforgettable.
"That little man... I knew he was no good the moment I saw him," She muttered, eyes glassy with emotion. Then turned to her husband, "Vernon..."
"I know, dear." Vernon wrapped an arm around her shoulders with uncharacteristic gentleness, "All right, boy. Go. But if you're not back by midnight, don't bother coming home."
Harry could hardly believe his luck, nodded furiously, heart racing, already imagining the Ministry of Magic and Sirius's freedom.
"Professor, how are we getting there?"
"Don't ask pointless questions," Snape said curtly. "Just follow me."
As they walked, Harry hesitated, recalling the way Snape had called Petunia by her Maiden name, "You... know my aunt?"
Without hesitation, he gave a short nod, "The Evans family were my neighbors. Your aunt once wrote to Dumbledore, asking to attend Hogwarts. He turned her down, she's hated magic ever since..."
Harry stared, stunned. He'd never imagined Aunt Petunia had ever wanted to be part of that world. After that, Snape said nothing more. He led him through town in silence, onto a bus, then a packed underground train, until they reached a narrow, deserted alley in central London.
Without a word, Snape stepped into a battered old red telephone booth and beckoned Harry inside, who had never imagined he'd enter Ministry of Magic in such a ridiculous way.
After Snape punched in a string of numbers, a cold female voice came from the phone box. A moment later, it spat out two silver badges after a round of verification.
Once they put them on, phone box shuddered and turned into an elevator, taking steadily downward until the walls opened to reveal a grand, glittering hall.
Deep blue wooden floors gleamed beneath a peacock-blue ceiling streaked with drifting golden symbols. Along the walls stood rows of fireplaces, with witches and wizards constantly stepping in and out of the flames. The sight instantly reminded Harry of his unpleasant trip through Knockturn Alley the summer before.
"Keep up and don't wander off. I'm not rescuing you from Security," Snape said flatly before walking forward and disappearing into the crowd.
Harry hurried after him. They passed a large fountain whose basin glittered with silver Sickles and bronze Knuts. A sign beside it read: {All donations from the Fountain of Magical Brethren go to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.}
'If that money could get his godfather freed and Peter Pettigrew locked up forever, he'd toss in ten Galleons himself,' Harry thought grimly.
"Visitors for the Sixth Court trial," Snape said, slapping a piece of parchment onto a desk in front of a young wizard.
"Right, wands please, put them- Merlin's beard! 'Harry Potter!"
The wizard had been half-asleep until his eyes caught the name on the parchment. He jerked his head up, eyes wide, and locked onto Harry.
"You're Harry Potter!"
"Er-yeah, I'm Harry Potter."
Before Harry could blink, the wizard had grabbed his hand and was shaking it wildly, startled by sudden exchange.
"The Boy Who Lived! I can't believe it! I grew up hearing your story, could I get your autograph?"
Harry just stared at him. 'Dude, you're what, twenty something? And you "grew up" hearing about me?'
Well... technically, the man wasn't wrong. He had been a student when Harry's name 'first' became legend.
Unfortunately, the outburst had drawn attention. Within seconds, the
registration area turned into a Harry Potter 'fan' convention. Witches and wizards swarmed around him, asking for autographs, photos, or just brushing against him for "good luck."
Shooting a desperate look toward Snape, silently begging for help, who, of course, merely folded his arms and watched the chaos with icy amusement. Only when clock ticked close to the hearing time did he stride over, parting the crowd like a shark cutting through a school of fish, and yank Harry free.
"The trial's about to start. Stop wasting our time."
"Yes, Professor Snape," The flustered clerk stammered, trembling under Snape's death glare as he fumbled to check their wands.
The man clearly remembered his school days under Snape's watch, he looked like a mouse cornered by a cat.
Harry passed through the security gate, feeling like he'd barely escaped alive, but Snape's voice cut in again before he could catch his breath.
"Enjoying the fame, Potter?"
His tone was dripped with venom. "Your classmates have grown used to your mediocrity. I suppose the outside world still finds you impressive. Sorry if I ruined your little moment..."
"Not at all, Professor," Harry said sweetly, "They're just happy Voldemort's gone. You, on the other hand, your reputation clearly sticks with people even after they've graduated."
If Snape was the master of biting sarcasm, Harry was no beginner himself, when in form, he could blows head on.
Snape's eyes flashed glared venomous daggers at Harry but said nothing. It was the holidays, after all, none of his usual punishments would stick. He'd just have to remember this later.
The two continued their silent duel of words and glares until they reached the trial floor. The air grew damp and cold, and Harry's nerves tightened.
Snape shoved open a heavy black door. Inside was a steep, tiered chamber-rows of seats descending toward the center like an ancient amphitheater. The front rows were nearly full already, and Harry noticed the glint of cameras.
"There are this many newspapers in Britain?" he muttered, bewildered.
Beyond 'The Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly, and 'Wizarding World Times,' he couldn't think of any others.
"Fudge invited foreign press," Snape replied without moving his lips, leading Harry to a quiet section near the back.
"I'll be called as a witness later," he said coldly. "No matter what you hear, keep your mouth shut."
Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Snape's look turned deadly.
"That's a direct message from Dumbledore. Personally, I'd rather see Sirius Black rot in Azkaban forever, but if you'd prefer otherwise, by all means, speak up."
Swallowing hard, he nodded. "I-I understand." He didn't know why Snape would say that, but he'd heard enough to guess how brutal these proceedings could get. In court, people twisted words, used traps and tricks to force out whatever testimony they wanted.
They waited about ten minutes before the room fell silent. A side door opened, and a group of wizards entered. At the front was Cornelius Fudge, the 'Minister for Magic' himself. Behind him walked a mature pregnant reddish-brown haired witch, she had gray curls at sides, and a burly man with lion's mane of hair.
They were followed by a dozen more officials in deep maroon robes, men and women alike, most of them elderly. Among them, Harry spotted Dumbledore.
The pregnant witch took the seat at the center of the raised platform. Fudge and lion-man sat on either side of her, while the others filled the rows closest to the defendants' area.
"Silence!" The woman struck her gavel, and her voice echoed powerfully through the hall.
"Today's session concerns the retrial of the 'Street Explosion', and the accusation that Sirius Black is a Death Eater."
"Presiding officer: Amelia Bones, Head of the 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement."'
"Examiners: Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic; Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office."
"Court Recorder: Woolf Wilbim."
"Jury: The Wizengamot."
"Bring in Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew."
Harry leaned forward, eyes fixed on the side door, it opened and a low murmur rippled through the crowd as a phalanx of Aurors escorted Peter and Sirius in, each man led to a separate seat.
Peter looked far more drawn than before. Fresh, red bite marks marred his face, obvious wounds that hadn't been there long. He just gave a mild glance, then his attention was immediately dragged to the gaunt, yellowed figure beside him.
His godfather.
Sirius Black did not look like the ragged, broken fugitive Harry had first seen in his video calls. Remus Lupin had clearly spent hours scrubbing away a decade of Azkaban.
Now he looked kinda filled out and healthy, his dark hair washed, trimmed, and falling neatly just past his shoulders. He was dressed in the finest robes of the 'Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.' The heavy, midnight-black silk draped perfectly, catching the dim light with every movement.
Embroidered over his heart was the prominent Black family crest—a shield flanked by two hounds, topped by a crown, with the words 'Toujours Pur' stitched in glowing silver thread.
Yet, Sirius looked utterly miserable in the expensive clothes. He kept shifting his weight, his shoulders twitching against the stiff, tailored cut of the coat. Rolling his wrists, visibly annoyed by the tight cuffs, and pulled uncomfortably at the high collar that forced his head up.
Looking less like a proud patriarch and more of wild animal trapped in a king's uniform, glaring down at his own 'family crest' with open disgust.
The courtroom fell silent as a properly dressed "Sirius Black," appearing as a distinguished pureblood lord, shocking the Wizengamot.
"Merciful Merlin," Fudge's entire face was turning a mottled plum color as his hands fumbled with his bowler hat. "This--this is completely irregular! Where is the Dementor starved madman I was promised? He looks... he looks like he owns the bloody Ministry!"
Scrimgeour narrowed his eyes, his sharp, hawk-like gaze fixed intently on the silver crest. It urged caution, recognizing the imposing demeanor, "Calm yourself, Cornelius. Look at the bearing, the posture. That is no feral criminal... Azkaban Prisoner or not, the blood of the House of Black runs thick in him. We must tread lightly; we are.... not dealing with a common rogue, but a Lord of the 'Sacred Twenty-Eight."
Up in the stands, a prominent elderly witch from the Wizengamot adjusted her monocle, voice carrying across the quiet jury benches. "By the old laws, he remains Lord Black until proven guilty by magic itself. Look at him... the true lineage of Phineas Nigellus. He stands as if the dark lord himself could not bow his head."
Another elderly wizard nodded slowly, whispering back, "Accused or not, one does not simply chain a Lord Black like a common thief. See how he disdains the very chains on the chair? The magic of his house practically radiates off those silks."
Harry could barely stop his grin, watching Sirius's chest heaved and he rained curses down on Peter, words so vile they 'filtered' into every ear in the courtroom.

"Order!" Amelia Bones hammered the gavel again, she had come to work on her days off, and wanted this high value trial to be done with complete fairness, and quickly, so she could go spend the night with her husband, like he promised to reward. An Auror levelled a wand at Sirius and at last he subsided, though unwillingly.
"Call witness Albus Dumbledore to the stand." She nodded to the bench.
Dumbledore smiled and walked to Sirius's side, laying his wizened hand lightly on the younger man's shoulder. That small, simple touch broke Sirius, tears formed in his eyes. He buried his face in his hands and sobbed.
Not trying to comfort him with empty phrases. He knew what Sirius needed, spoke instead in a calm, steady voice and recited the chain of events.
He named the betrayals: the Potters sold out, secret messages passed to the Dark Lord, the explosion that cost half a street paid for with a bone of a Death Eater, the faked death and escape, the twelve years spent as a rat hidden at the Weasleys.
As Dumbledore spoke, gasps and whispers spread through the chamber. The facts were brutal and stunned everyone present.
Snape was called to the stand as well.
Then he watched Headmaster produced the Marauder's Map to show where Peter had been found. He even joked that he had borrowed it from Harry Potter for a while, to general amusement.
When Dumbledore finished, the bench and the questioning officials took over. Harry finally understood why he had a hand in Snape's warning to him. The questions were clearly designed to establish Sirius's guilt beyond doubt, to hammer him for not revealing the truth all those years.
Two men questioned most fiercely. One was Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office. The other was an elder on the bench named Barty Crouch. They asked the most questions and did so with the most venom.
Several times Harry had to bite his tongue, he wanted to stand up and shout, but Snape's fixed stare kept him frozen. What cut the interrogators off at the knees was Peter himself, who confessed plainly.
He admitted his crimes and then supplied details that Dumbledore had omitted. He named the 'Longbottoms' as among those he betrayed.
Peter had evidently worked it out. Even if he kept denying and somehow escaped Azkaban, plenty of Death Eaters were still at large. Whether out of loyalty to Voldemort or spite at losing their former glory, many would be sharpening their knives to settle scores with him. Better to be inside and wait for the heat to die down, then try to flee the country and disappear.
With the defendant confessing, even Crouch's call for a Veritaserum test changed nothing. Peter was not under compulsion, he had admitted everything.
"Those who 'find' Black not guilty and that Pettigrew bears sole responsibility, please raise your hands," Madam Bones asked in her final query.
A great number of Wizengamot members raised their hands. Fudge, radiant, raised his as well and glanced at Crouch with a look of barely concealed triumph. More than eighty percent of the jury were in favor.
Bones rapped her gavel hard!
"Sirius Black is hereby declared not guilty. Peter Pettigrew will be remanded to Azkaban, sentence: life imprisonment."
Applause thundered through the hall.
Dumbledore clapped softly, but the loudest sound came when the Aurors removed Sirius's shackles and he flung himself at the man, sobbing openly. Through his convulsions, only the old wizard could hear what he whispered.
"Let me kill him."
"Let me kill him, please."
"Calm down, Sirius." Dumbledore held him firml, "Peter has faced a fair trial. Death is not the only punishment. Those Dementors will make him understand."
Slowly, the storm of Sirius's emotion subsided, and he steadied himself, otherwise Remus would tore into him a new one if he made a fuss. Not everyone shared the celebratory mood.
Snape watched Peter being led away with cold eyes. There was no remorse on the rat's face, only the resigned acceptance of a man who had lost his bet and now faced the consequences.
A little distance from Harry, he pulled out his WhatsApp and sent a single message to his only friend.
『Severus Snape』: We act tomorrow.
At Lux's penthouse, Nazuna lay asleep after her father's bed story.
His notebook vibrated, then Lucifer read the message and smiled slightly before replying with a flourish of his finger.
『Lucifer Morningstar』: As long as you provide Hermione the points we agreed on, I'll even take Dumbledore down for you.
Snape read the reply and felt his eyelid twitch uncontrollably.
Once the court was dismissed, Harry walked down the stairs. Lost and unsure of himself, he stopped in front of Dumbledore and Sirius Black, not knowing what kind of attitude his godfather would have toward him in real life, meeting on videos he figured was a totally different concept.
Would he be disappointed?
Dumbledore then patted Sirius on the shoulder, hinting for him to turn around, see who came greeting.
"H-Hi," Harry greeted stiffly.
Straightening up, Sirius looked back. He saw Harry standing there, tension written all over him, those bright green eyes filled with hope, but also a flicker of insecurity. For a moment, he went blank.
Set aside those green eyes that were almost a perfect copy of Lily's, Harry looked so much like a young James, it hurt, no matter how both contacted almost daily at this point.
Just like that, Sirius was dragged back to his youth, the days when he and James ruled the school, wild and untouchable, drunk on laughter and freedom. Only the still lingering weakness in his body reminded him that it was all just a memory.
James was gone. Dead because of his stupidity and Peter Pettigrew's betrayal.
"Harry..." Sirius responded, just as awkward.
"Sirius...."
This man had been his father's closest friend and was named his godfather before Harry was even born. To go to Azkaban for twelve years without protest over a decision he didn't even make, that alone told plenty about how much Sirius had loved his father.
But would... he like him? Silence fell between them, it was Dumbledore who broke it with a chuckle.
"Sirius, it's been what, over ten years since you last saw Harry in person?"
"Yes... yes, it had" Sirius nodded and even gestured with his hands, "Last time I saw him, he was only this big... Ah--Harry, I even held you back then. You smiled at me, too."
He looked at Harry, still a little restrained, but gently said, "You know... I'm your godfather, right? We talked over the WhatsApp."
"I know," Harry was tearing up.
"Right... Your 'father' named me your guardian." Sirius spoke a bit uneasily, "I didn't do my duty before. I failed James and Lily. But now, my name is cleared. I want to make it up to you, if you're willing, we can live together. I'll take care of you."
Harry's heart just about soared. "Leave the Dursleys? Of course! That'd be amazing. I've got some money from my parents, we could buy a little house somewhere quiet."
"House?" At that, Sirius suddenly puffed up with confidence, "Harry, I'm not exactly short on money. I've got houses, plenty of houses. Do you like London? Or we could go to Yorkshire, Liverpool, wherever you want."
Just as the two of them were starting to dream up this brand-new life, Dumbledore had to step in like the villain of the moment, "It does sound wonderful," he said apologetically, "but I'm afraid, Sirius, Harry cannot leave the Dursleys just yet."
"Why?!" x2
Both of them blurted it out at the same time, identical shock and irritation on their faces.
"For Harry's safety," Dumbledore said, his tone was serious. Without even noticing, a soundproof enchantment had surrounded them. "Voldemort was defeated, but he is still alive. He will return, and when he does, he will come for Harry."
"I'll protect him!" Sirius said instantly, "I swear it on my life!"
"....." Harry was overwhelmed, he had never felt this kind of warmth before. But he also caught a flaw in the Headmaster's reasoning. "Professor, if Voldemort really comes back, wouldn't staying at the Dursleys be 'more' dangerous?"
"No. You'll be safe there. The Dursleys too." Dumbledore shook his head and calmly explained, "Lily used her life to invoke an ancient magic. Because of it, you survived that night. That power hasn't vanished, it's still flowing in your blood. That's also why you were able to harm Voldemort in your 'first' year....And to keep that magic active, you must return to the Dursleys every year and treat that place as your home, until you come of age."
Sirius and Harry stared at him, struggling to process, and stunned into silence. After a long moment, it was the Godfather who spoke reluctantly, "I understand... But can I at least come visit him? Take him out for a few days now and then?"
Dumbledore nodded with a smile, "That's allowed. Harry stayed at the Burrow two years back, last with Longbottoms..."
Sirius relaxed a little, "I know, but Weasleys, huh? Haven't seen that lot in ages," then he laughed faintly, "that Augusta is still kicking?"
"Are you done?" A cold voice cut in from behind them. Sirius turned, and his smile vanished instantly, "Snape. You're still here?"
Yes, Snape had been a key witness and certainly helped just now, but expecting Sirius to greet him kindly was asking too much.
"I'm taking Potter back," Snape said coolly, "Or did you want to volunteer? Why don't you change out of those clothes first, so the Dursleys don't think Potter's been taken into fortune, and robbed him."
"I'm in a good mood today. I won't fight you," Sirius said through gritted teeth. Then to Harry, he added, "Go on ahead. I'll come see you as soon as I sort myself out. Number 4, Privet Drive, right?"
"Yeah. I'll... I'll see you."
Harry didn't want to leave so soon, but Snape had already grabbed him and was dragging him out of the courtroom, where Amelia was waiting to have a short chat.
Dumbledore watched them go with a small smile. "Severus is actually a very good man."
"Do you even believe that when you say it?" Now that the weight in his chest had lifted and he'd reunited with Harry, Sirius's old mischievous nature slipped right back in, "Oh, right, I have one more favor to ask you."
"What is it?" Dumbledore paused and looked back.
Sirius rubbed his hands together, and opened his mouth earnestly, "I had spent a good part of the year at Lucifer's penthouse. If he hadn't used the Marauder's Map to track down Peter, I'd never have had the chance to see Harry again, and I wouldn't have known my enemy was still alive, I don't have a clue how to thank him properly...."
"Well..." Dumbledore didn't answer immediately. He started walking, motioning Sirius to follow, "That was indeed Lucifer's doing. I even invited him to observe the hearing today, but unfortunately, he seemed busy and declined."
"I know, he doesn't lack money, and wealth doesn't interest him much," Sirius shrugged with a defeated body, and sighed aloud, "It gives me headache about what kind of gift would be fitting to show my gratitude."
"Nothing too extravagant. Books or something knowledge related would be best," Dumbledore suggested kindly, he didn't even have to think of such a gift, knowing what he liked.
If Lucifer heard him like that, he'd never have skipped today's trial. Sirius Black came from an old, 'Dark Family's' house. If he handed over a thank-you gift, wouldn't be some useless trinket.
xxxxxx
The next day, North Sea.
The Ministry placed great importance on Peter Pettigrew or rather, Fudge did, this criminal was his key weapon against Crouch. As long as Pettigrew remained in Azkaban, it would 'forever' stain Crouch's career.
So, ten Aurors were assigned just to transport him. Two manned the thestral drawn carriage, while other eight followed by broom.
Inside the carriage, Pettigrew's hands and feet were shackled. Now that they knew he was an Animagus, the restraints had been specially made, if he made even the slightest attempt to cast a spell, the cuffs would snap tight and inject a paralytic toxin.
The convoy departed from London, heading north toward the North Sea.
Azkaban stood on a remote island in the middle of the North Sea, close to Norwegian waters. So the journey wasn't short, it would take a full day's flight to reach the island.
About four hours after leaving the mainland, the Aurors landed on a small island to rest. High on the island's tallest hill, Lucifer and Snape stood overlooking the forest where the group had stopped.
"Professor, I've got to say, you're a real professional. You even predicted their rest stop." Both of them were dressed in black robes and pointed hoods, the typical Death Eater attire.
"Michael, you should be calling me Francis right now," Snape muttered darkly. With the mask between them, Lucifer couldn't see his expression.
Finding the Aurors' resting spot hadn't been hard for Snape. He'd never personally been locked in Azkaban, but that didn't mean he was clueless.
Slytherin students had no shortage of parents who'd done time there, especially the old batch of Death Eaters from back in the day. Snape had escaped that fate by sheer luck, and in the process, he'd picked up plenty of information from careless remarks by those very same parents.
He didn't even need to ask around.
"Do we move now?" He asked.
"Be careful. If your identity is exposed, I won't be able to save you. You'll have to go crying to Dumbledore." Snape warned, casting a 'Disillusionment Charm' on himself and headed down the hill. Apparition was off the table, the Aurors had properly set up alert wards around their temporary camp.
Through Lucifer's eyes, Snape vanished from sight, but his magic trail only became more obvious, oozing with a kind of greasy slickness that made him snort.
He raised his wand toward the sky, ready to cover Snape's approach.
xxxxxx
"Bloody hell, why is it so cold?" Dawlish, one of the Aurors, cursed as he bit viciously into his sandwich.
Another Auror replied with a grin, "The further north we go, the colder it gets. Don't tell me you've forgotten basic geography."
"Of course not. I just think it's rubbish luck that I got stuck with transport duty."
Dawlish was fuming. The long flight was annoying enough, but what he really dreaded was arriving at Azkaban and having to deal with Dementors. Nobody liked those creatures. Moments later, dark clouds gathered overhead, thunder murmuring between them.
"This isn't right," Shacklebolt said sharply, looking up. "That's not natural cloud buildup! Someone's casting!"
"No way," Dawlish scoffed. "Who'd be stupid enough to pick a fight in the middle of nowhere---"
He didn't even finish before a barrage of massive fireballs roared down, obliterating the defensive wards in an instant. At the same time, crystal sphere carried by one of the Aurors flared with blinding light and let out a piercing hum.
"Stupefy!"
The Auror on the outer edge of the camp had just enough time to swing his cloak around. A streak of light skimmed across it and blew a crater in the ground. He blinked, stunned for half a second, then whipped his wand toward direction of incoming spells and shouted, "Ambush! Ambush!"
He didn't need to say more. The others were already in motion, moment they spotted the distinctive Death Eater robes on Snape, their expressions changed drastically. 'Death Eaters? Here to rescue Pettigrew?!'
Snape however was dumbfounded. Since when were Auror kits 'this' upgraded? His 'Disillusionment Charm' shattered under sudden counterfire, and a storm of spells came flying his way. Even he wouldn't dare take that head-on. He 'Apparated' out of the blast radius immediately.
Lucifer winced. The warning crystal. The Anti-curse cloaks, all were his inventions. Once again, his own gadgets were making life miserable for Snape, poor Head of House.
Watching Snape being chased in circles, he felt that familiar, inconvenient softness stir, then calmly finished a piece of chocolate for energy, took a sip of hot tea, and only then stepped forward.
The next moment, he appeared between Snape and the Aurors. A single heartbeat later, a terrifying wave of freezing power burst outward from him,"Ice Domain."
A surge of ice-blue magic swept out like a tidal wave, so dense and real it distorted the very air. Snape threw up a shield instead, cursing under his breath. Did this brat forget who his allies are? The Aurors reacted quickly, years of training kicking in as they combined their magic into a large 'Protego Totalum.'
The silver barrier was instantly swallowed by the freezing mist, hiding everything from view. Just as the Aurors braced themselves to counterattack the moment the spell ended, things escalated again.
As if Lucifer's magic would stop there. Two spiraling pillars of ice roared up like twin tornadoes, linking the sky. They churned violently across the battlefield, converging on Aurors before merging into one and detonating. The shockwave even blasted Snape back a good thirty meters before he hit the ground in a graceless sprawl.
When the storm dissipated, the world had turned unrecognizable. In the middle of June, the land looked like the dead of winter a sheet of frost spreading over cracked ground, stray snowflakes drifting through the air, a chill that cut to the bone.
"You didn't kill them all, did you?"
Snape didn't even take a moment to appreciate the scenery. Spitting dirt from his mouth, he marched forward angrily.
"How would I? Look---" Lucifer pointed into the crater ahead. All nine Aurors were frozen solid, locked in ice like grotesque statues, their last expressions twisted mid-reaction. Disturbing... yet almost like an art gallery of human absurdity.
"As long as they're alive."
He only came here to kill Peter Pettigrew, if nine Aurors died too, the Ministry would explode, Snape let out a calming breath. 'Hold on!' "There should be ten," he said sharply.
"The last one was guarding Pettigrew. I dealt with him too," Lucifer said, not-so-subtly adding, "All the work was mine. You barely did anything, I'm thinking surcharge."
Snape ignored the little merchant goblin in training and headed toward the wrecked carriage. Surcharge? He'd already emptied his vaults to buy off potions for Potter, even sold part of his private stores of rare potions and ingredients. Any more and he'd be pawning himself off next. Would have to go "treasure hunting" again.
Inside the carriage, Pettigrew was trembling uncontrollably. With a gag stuffed between his teeth, all he could manage were muffled whimpers. Not that the Aurors were kinky, it was just to stop him from speaking any spells.
Pettigrew was in sheer panic. He'd heard the explosions outside, the whine of Apparitions cutting through the air. How could the Death Eaters have gotten word this fast? His identity was only exposed yesterday, and now someone had already been sent to eliminate him.
It was over, everything depended on Fudge winning now.
He prayed, prayed that the Aurors would repel the attackers. All strong Death Eaters were supposed to be locked up in Azkaban. The ones left outside were nobodies, and there were ten Aurors escorting him.
They could win, they 'had' to.
Read next Couple of Chapters in Auxiliary Volume 0.
xxxxxx
Author's Note.
New Month!
If you want to Read 45+ Advanced Chapters ahead of everyone. Support this novel, join me on Patreon!
Link - patreon.com/SmutDxddy
We have a stockpile upto Chapter 400 for you to binge-read!
(Christmas Spanking + Hermione in baby-doll outfit gulping on her 'package' just waiting for you on Patreon!) 😈
xxxxxxx
This book is going to be very dark from now on in truest sense, a little warning to my Readers.
Sense of Innocence will be lost...😏
1 Extra Chapter - 125 Power Stone's! 🎉