Chapter 178 - Chapter 187 to 189 - Candy Canes

"I thought about it. I really did go a bit too far with that sign. How could I bully pigs like that? So, you can use this entrance to leave. I'm not a monster."

His grin was radiant, but to the Graves family, it was more terrifying than a demon's. If they actually crawled through that hole, they'd be admitting they were worse than pigs. How would Graves family ever show their faces in North America again?

"All right, I'm heading out. No need to see me off." As if saying goodbye to old friends, Lucifer gave them a cheerful wave and walked off into the snowstorm.

........

Hours later, more Graves family members finally returned, they had planned to take the Floo network straight back, but it failed, and had to arrive at a nearby public fireplace and Apparate from there.

"Dragon fire" dropped from the sky before they could even finish Apparating, forcing them out of the shifting space and slamming onto the ground outside the estate.

A deafening roar and explosion followed, Percival stared at the two family members passed out at the gate and let out a long sigh.

"Contact the Congress, ask for help."

Even he hadn't expected Lucifer to go this far, leaving his pet behind to block the entrance. This was more than humiliation, he was grinding the Graves name into the dirt.

The second MACUSA received their urgent call for help, their first thought was that Grindelwald had attacked again. Several Auror squads were dispatched at once, and every available Graves still in the country hurried toward the manor.

When they arrived, the massive sign posted at gate was the first thing everyone saw.

A few wizards, clearly Graves family members from the fury on their faces, immediately drew their wands, ready to blast the sign apart. But before any spell was cast, Usaki swooped down, scattering a shower of golden meteors. The blazing starfall roared from the sky with terrifying power.

The orders were simple: Anyone who wanted to enter or leave had to crawl through the pighole. If anyone attacked her, she could retaliate however she liked, 'life and death' didn't matter.

The rescue squads reacted fast, throwing up a joint shield to block the falling meteors. Only then did they spot Usaki hiding in the clouds and launched a counterattack.

But Auror spells, soft and harmless against her iron-hard scales, didn't leave so much as a scratch. Usaki dove sharply, a massive draconic phantom wrapped around her body as she crashed into the shield. It shattered instantly, one Graves, too slow to dodge, was smashed into pulp.

Usaki twisted mid-air and fired a purple beam that melted another wizard on the spot, her powerful tail swept across the ground. The Aurors had to roll away to avoid it. When it struck the earth, the ground shook violently, rumbling like thunder, thick

cracks racing for hundreds of meters.

The sight alone was enough to freeze the blood.

"What the hell is that thing?!" An Auror shouted in terror, staring up at Usaki, "It's even worse than a dragon!"

By the time fight was over, three bodies were left behind. The surviving Aurors fled in panic. Inside the manor, the Graves stared in disbelief, their reinforcements had been beaten back that easily? And the one who did it wasn't even Morningstar, just one of his pets.

Feelings of despair spread through the remaining Graves. Was there still any hope for them? Luckily, calls inside the manor hadn't been cut. Owls flew back and forth nonstop.

At MACUSA headquarters, the full story finally surfaced. President Samuel G. Quahog listened to the report in silence for a long time before asking, "So you're telling me that humiliating Robert Graves at Hogwarts wasn't enough, Morningstar actually came here to wipe out the entire family?"

The reporting Auror hesitated, then nodded, "President, five Graves family members are dead, along with two Aurors. This isn't a private feud anymore, Lucifer Morningstar is openly provoking the Magical Congress, he's declaring war on us."

"What are we waiting for, then? Arrest him! Even if he runs back to Britain, drag him back here!" Quahog slammed his palms on the desk, his face turning red, "Does everyone think America is a pushover? First Grindelwald walks all over us, and now an ungraduated kid thinks he can do the same? Send a letter to the British Ministry---tell them to help us capture Morningstar, or we cut all cooperation and sever ties entirely!"

Quahog was beyond furious. Ever since Grindelwald's escape, MACUSA had been cursed with nonstop disaster. First the Picquery family massacre, and now the Graves. At this rate, would he be next? If they failed to capture Morningstar, his authority as president would crumble.

American wizards would become the butt of every wizarding nation's jokes.

"Several Auror teams can't even subdue a magical creature? What are you all good for? If a dozen won't do it, send dozens more! If that fails, send hundreds! Where's Leopold, the head of the Auror Office? Tell him to take every Auror we have and tear Morningstar's pet to pieces!"

"Samuel, things aren't as simple as you think. Throwing bodies at it won't work on that creature, Usaki."

Before the Auror could answer, the office doors swung open. A handful of people in North America would dare barge into the president's office like that. Today, it was one of them, Agilbert Fontaine, current headmaster of Ilvermorny.

"Agilbert, what's that supposed to mean?" Quahog frowned hard at him.

"I'm giving you my assessment," Fontaine replied calmly, unfazed by Quahog's temper, "That creature is beyond anything we imagined. Even it is wary of Usaki, and with her aerial advantage, even sending your best won't guarantee success unless... you're prepared for full-scale war and ready to expose your trump cards."

"What do you mean, it..." Quahog started dismissively, then froze, eyes widening. "You're saying it, even it, is afraid of Morningstar's pet? That's impossible!"

"Leave us," he ordered, pointing at the door. The reporting Auror practically bolted out, relieved to be dismissed.

"It's not fear," Fontaine corrected him, with a shudder of his own, "It's wariness. It sensed divine in Usaki."

"But didn't it say..." Quahog's voice faltered, "Didn't it claim there are no 'gods' in this world?"

"Maybe, that boy's creature, like it, is a survivor from the previous age."

Expression on Samuel Quahog's face lit up with excitement, "Then what are we waiting for? Catch it. That would give us even more leverage."

Agilbert shook his head while clutching his nose, and rubbed it over to show the annoyance, "Samuel, Usaki and that thing aren't even in the same category. We don't have the resources to open up a whole new area of research. I'm here to tell you one thing: don't confront the boy or his creature head-on. That would cost far more than you could gain. You need... to beat him through institutional rules. If we can get him locked inside our prison, then no matter what secrets he has, we'll get them in the end."

That made sense, Quahog nodded repeatedly, they still hadn't finished excavating a single ruin; really didn't have people to spare. He also knew exactly how powerful that being was. It was the foundation of all of MACUSA's ambitions. If even it treated Usaki cautiously, then his pet wouldn't be easy to handle. But another problem remained, how should they respond to the Graves situation?

"Right, where's Robert? Something this big happens and he's nowhere to be seen."

Quahog suddenly remembered the key figure. The whole conflict had started because of Robert. He knew exactly what the man had been planning too: using an excuse to take control of Lucifer's alchemy products and eventually absorb everything into the Graves 'family business.'

But instead, he managed to fuck it up instantly.

"He's in Paris with Babajide."

"I'll handle Robert. You need to contact Babajide. Both of you need to apply pressure, even Dumbledore won't dare protect Morningstar then." Quahog snarled loudly out of his lungs, even though it left breathing quite difficult, "He killed wizards and cast spells off school grounds. Forget Dumbledore, even if Merlin came back to life, Lucifer Morningstar wouldn't escape these charges. Not on my watch!"

By the next morning, the news had already spread through the tight-knit circle of America's upper-class wizarding families like wings on fire. Everyone now knew the Graves had been steamrolled by a thirteen year old boy. More than ten people against one, and they still lost. Their wands snapped, dignity shattered, and in the end people actually died.

When rumor first popped up, many assumed it was an early April Fools' joke. But as whispers came in from every direction, the unbelievable turned out to be true.

Some even went to the Graves estate in person. They saw sign at the gate for themselves, Lucifer had even enchanted it with a glowing charm so it shone clearly through the night.

『Know-it-all』: Lucifer, have you lost your mind?! The Graves want you skinned alive. Even the President sent people to arrest you, it's all over the 'Daily Prophet! I thought we were going to enjoy our first Christmas together? Why are you so impulsive? Merlin, even your cat Eve keeps pestering Crookshanks for head rubs, I don't know but there's something fishy going on between.

If Hermione'd known he was going off to do something this earth shaking, she would've glued him to herself before letting him leave Britain.

『Hearthrob』: The news is only spreading now? Slower than I expected.

『Hearthrob』 : + Relax. I'm not stupid, I wasn't going to walk in without a plan.

『Know-it-all』: What plan? People literally died!

『Hearthrob』 : What if I run to Grindelwald? Let MACUSA or the ICW try dragging me out of Berlin.

[Know-it-all] : "....." 'Honestly... that might actually work. If Lucifer hid in Berlin, Americans could drop dead from stress and Grindelwald still probably wouldn't care, wait----!

『Know-it-all』: You... you're really planning to defect to Grindelwald? What about me? Greengrass sisters? Bones? Abbott? Are you taking them too?

『Hearthrob』: I'm joking, we will be fine at Hogwarts. Stop worrying about my life-and-death crisis and focus on Crookshanks, no funny business! I better not have to play "Mummy" to baby kittens when I am back.

『Know-it-all』: It's your cat who's after my cute Crookshanks. Besides you got it wrong entirely, you'll be "Daddy, and I "Mummy."

[Know-it-all] : No scratch that, we are going to be Grandparents so soon? I hadn't even finished school, Grandpa would stab 'you' in the chest.

.......

Well, that did fit the Granger's style, Lucifer closed his WhatsApp with a light smile, he'd already achieved half his goal. "The Graves" were now a banner, anyone who saw what happened would understand that Morningstar was not someone to mess with.

-----Anyone who tried to move against him would pay the price.

Only half, though, Lucifer wouldn't truly succeed until he handled MACUSA'S accusations and walked away unharmed. But that dealing was after Christmas, didn't affect his mood at all. Next, he took off toward Paris to bring the Flamel couple to Britain for the holidays.

This year the house would be lively: 'the Scamanders, the Greengrasses, and the Flamels, of course Hermione.'

Even considered inviting Dumbledore and Snape, but gave up quickly.

"Hello, Sir Nicolas. I'm Cupid,"

In Paris, inside the Flamel estate, a red coloured slime, having translucent jelly body, named Cupid introduced herself politely.

Most of Cupid's slime sisters were still back at the Greengrass estate, busy decorating the massive Christmas tree. They rolled around living room floor, carefully carrying ornaments inside their bouncy bodies, while a few others stretched into elongated shapes to hang tinsel on the higher branches.

Only Cupid was different. She was clumsy, easily distracted, and prone to wandering off. Her sisters were terrified she'd knock the whole tree over, so Lucifer simply took her along, sparing the rest of the cluster the stress.

Of course... that was only a secondary reason. The real reason was simpler: he wanted to show off.

A natural being born from the depths of Hell. What did that even mean? Slimes were incredibly rare, exotic fauna of the underworld, existing entirely outside known laws of earthly magic. Since the day Lucifer had created them over, he hadn't told anyone. Showing off to ordinary wizards was boring; they wouldn't understand the rarity or unique biology behind a living sentient puddle of crimson ooze.

But showing this to the greatest alchemist in history? Flamel had never seen a genuine slime before, completely mistaking Cupid's bloodless, amorphous body and high magic density for a masterpiece of synthetic magic.

Watching Nicolas Flamel go from mild interest, to disbelief, to eyes shining like a kid in a candy shop as he knelt down to talk seriously with Cupid, fully convinced he was looking at the pinnacle of forbidden alchemy, made the trip entirely worth it.

Lucifer felt like fireworks were going off in his heart.

"She's alive... she's truly alive..."

The old man muttered like someone possessed. When Cupid curiously poked around the room and even broke a cabinet clock he'd treasured for four centuries, he didn't get angry.

...Just looked at her the same way an aged old father might look at his beloved granddaughter. But when his eyes shifted to Lucifer, all that gentle warmth turned into a feverish intensity that practically wanted to devour him whole.

"How did you do it? I've tried countless times. Everything I made was just a tool. But Cupid... she's a living being you created. What did I miss? Where did I fall short?"

Lucifer gave Nicolas a rough explanation of spiritual nature its existence, its traits, and its role. Not because he wanted to hide anything, but because the theory was so vast and complicated that explaining the whole thing would take the entire Christmas holiday.

"Spirituality... I really overlooked that. No, more like I lumped it together with souls. They're not the same thing at all, but how did you attach it to physical material?"

"Old man, use magic as medium. Turn an abstract concept into something concrete. Isn't that basically what magic does?"

Nicolas nodded so rapidly his head looked like a bobble toy, Lucifer made it sound simple, but that one sentence represented a truth most wizards could never grasp. He looked ready to sprint back to his lab that instant to begin researching extraction and infusion of spirituality.

No. First, he needed materials.

"Why don't you let Little Cupid stay with me?" Nicolas asked gently, watching the lively girl bounce around, "Let me teach her alchemy. I promise I'll turn her into a capable assistant in a few months."

"That won't work," Lucifer shook his head with a giddy smile, "She has several sisters waiting at Greengrass Castle. You'll see them soon enough."

"How many alchemic beings have you created?"

"Seven so far, and that's the limit. You will have to secure materials of your own. Cupid was born due to the will of my place..."

Nicolas of course knew exactly what limit, sentient will, and materials he meant. But he didn't warn or lecture him. Why would he? A man who studied alchemy in the Middle Ages, especially involving human bodies and longevity was no saint.

Or rather, Nicolas Flamel could be kind and warm-hearted when his interests weren't involved. But the moment something touched his core obsession... heh, certain moral lines and principles simply didn't matter anymore.

The old man kept peppering Lucifer with questions until he couldn't take it anymore, didn't want to spend the entire holiday talking shop, so he called for reinforcements:

Madame Perenelle.

When she stepped in, Nicolas' eyes cleared, his hunger for knowledge receded, and he obediently directed the house elves to pack. Originally they'd only meant to bring a few daily necessities, but now he insisted on bringing lab equipment and materials as well.

While the Flamels were packing, he made a trip to the Valentine's home.

The moment he arrived, he was swept into a tight embrace, and in seconds Lucifer and Darcy were kissing, wrapped up in the intense warmth only a part-veela could give.

Alexandra covered her eyes, but peeked through fingers spread wider than the doorway, staring at them like she was watching two seals fighting over a grape.

When he finally had Miss Valentine breathless, she pushed him back weakly, sapphire blue eyes full of reproach, "So you do remember I exist. I thought you'd totally forgotten about me."

[Notice: Characters, if not read.

Darcy Valentine -- 'Kat Dennings

Alexandra --- 'Alexandra Daddario]

.......

"Me too, Alex was forgotten too!~"

The little girl pouted dramatically and tugged Lucifer's sleeve, who gave an embarrassed grin and ruffled her hair, "I've been busy. A lot of messy stuff happened, but it's pretty much sorted out now."

News from North America hadn't reached France yet, and Darcy didn't know what Lucifer had been up to. She assumed he meant business troubles, the older sister huffed softly but didn't complain further.

Properly understood, after all. In just one semester, his network had already changed the way many wizards sent messages, that had taken a huge amount of work.

"You said so yourself. You won't be busy anymore. So when I get to Hogwarts, you owe me a proper tour."

"...Huh?" Lucifer stared at her with mouth open, and he didn't even close it for a while, giving Alexandra on the right peck him a small one.

"Alexandra!" Her big sister's face had turned red, she glared at her while her notice kept darting between the round girl pretending to be innocent and two lips, Darcy's gaze faltered, she wanted to touch more.

"What? Can't I kiss my big brother?"

"Stop talking, why are you coming to Hogwarts, Valentine?!"

Two hours later, a luxurious carriage drawn by two winged horses rose from the Flamel estate and soared into the sky, Lucifer slumped into the sofa inside, looking miserable.

He miscalculated.

Horribly, he had completely forgotten about 'International Underage Wizarding Duel Tournament.' When Darcy reminded him today, it felt like getting smacked with a brick. The stupid event was still happening?!

"Damn you, Rouse. I swear, the next time I see you I'm going to beat the crap out of you... you drama loving bastard."

Actually, helping Grindelwald get out of his prison early was, in large part, to avoid exactly this kind of romantic crossfire. The world was on the brink of war. Who still had the mood to worry about kids playing at duels?

Weren't they afraid their homes would get robbed while they were gone? But Lucifer had miscalculated. With Dumbledore around, the idea that Hogwarts was the safest place in the magical world was only becoming more widely accepted.

Especially after he genuinely drove Grindelwald back. Sending promising students to compete meant they could grow without real danger, so of course the secret tournament stayed on schedule.

"What's chewing on you now?" Nicolas Flamel asked when he saw the boy looking drained, "Did you get into a fight with that Valentine girl?"

"No..." Lucifer sighed heavily and explained the mess he'd walked into, Nicolas found it hilarious though.

"So you do get scared sometimes. If you're troubled, maybe don't flirt with so many girls to begin with."

Rolling his eyes, he retorted back, while rubbing face on the comforter, "What do you know, you fossil. Trouble is temporary. A happy life lasts a lifetime for mortals, eternity for me..."

"Who are you calling a fossil?"

The old man pointed at him, ready to snap back, but he couldn't hold a straight face and chuckled instead, "Forget it. I won't kick you while you're down. You'll have enough headaches soon. Oh boy, I've gotta go to Hogwarts and watch the drama."

He paused, then added, "And although, Veela blood is strange thing. Once they choose a mate, they almost never change their mind. So, you don't need to worry about this girl."

But that wasn't what Lucifer was getting dejected about, he took a big gulp of orange juice. What he worried about was Hermione and Daphne, two somewhat narrow minded girls in his witches harem. How would they react when Darcy arrived? If the three of them clashed, wouldn't that just make a public joke out of him?

Nicolas in his good mood, was about to share some of his own youthful escapades when Lucifer's diary on the table suddenly buzzed. With a flick of his hand, the notebook opened itself to a blank page, and Dumbledore's image swam into view.

"Well, that's rare." He perked up a little and teased, "Professor, I think this is the first time you've ever video-called me."

Normally, Dumbledore would at least smile. Today, though, his face was set and solemn, only gave a slight nod.

"Merry Christmas, Lucifer, I didn't expect you to take one trip to North America and cause such a massive problem for yourself."

"Problem?" He raised a brow, adjusting his legs over the seat, "I don't see it. It's nothing important."

"North America?" Nicolas leaned in curiously, he had a fluttery instinct something went down, "What did you do over there?"

Dumbledore scratched his beard two times when he noticed the second figure there, "Nicolas? You, and him?"

"This boy has at least a bit of conscience left," Nicolas said cheerfully, "He invited Perenelle and me to Britain for Christmas. We're still en route, though we should reach Newt soon."

That very words when reached his ears, Dumbledore felt himself aging five years on the spot. North America was practically knocking down his door, and the culprit was thinking about holiday plans, magical Congress might as well be invisible to him.

"What exactly did he do this time?"

Dumbledore had no choice but to explain. Lucifer, however listened quietly, curious how badly Americans were trying to spin things. In fairness, the story wasn't too distorted. With so many witnesses and the ability to pull memories, inventing lies was pointless.

"You really can't stay still, can you." Nicolas shot him a glare immediately and lectured in fatherly tone, "You attacked a thriving family alone? Why didn't you prepare more? What if enemies predicted your visit, arranged an ambush, and took you out? Dueling them head-on is the stupidest method.... Why not poison them? Use a potion? One vial of 'Dragon Frenzy' and that entire estate would have been flattened by a rampaging fire-dragon. Much easier than doing it yourself."

Lowering his head like an embarrassed schoolboy, Lucifer made an act that could have shed tears, "I needed to make a statement. A simple, direct approach leaves a deeper impression. Otherwise no one would know it was me."

Dumbledore's mustache practically twitched off his face. "Nicolas... how can you teach him things like that? He's still a child..."

"Albus."

It was Nicolas who cut him off. His face, usually kind, turned cold for the first time, even his tone carried something like a warning, "I know your character. Humble, restrained, always willing to sacrifice your own interests for peace and stability. But that is your philosophy."

The old alchemist's gaze sharpened.

"Don't force your ideals onto Lucifer. He has his own way of doing things and own mind. Don't pretend you don't understand what Graves was trying to pull. Was he wrong to respond? These minor matters... either you handle them for him, or let him. You shouldn't let them interfere with his life and studies from the start, boy's energy shouldn't be wasted on petty nonsense."

Dumbledore had already guessed that Nicolas would side with his kid, but his reaction was way beyond anything he expected. The man was actually angry at him?

"Nicolas, you seem... upset?" He asked honestly, "I wasn't blaming Lucifer, I'm not even fully sure what actually happened yet, I'm only asking."

"Uh... the story is pretty much what Daily Prophet, and others told you," Lucifer said uncertainly. "The first half's accurate. After I left, Usaki decided to stay and play for a bit. She likes the air in North America. As for what she did afterward, yeah, I genuinely don't know."

He was given a helpless look from a weary old Dumbledore, "Things are completely out of control. Usaki has already killed more than ten wizards, some Graves people, some from MACUSA. Whatever the case, can you get her to leave? Just for now?"

"Professor, I'm afraid not." Lucifer shook his face with a look that matched the Headmaster's perfectly, "Unless Graves completely backs down, Usaki won't leave. Otherwise who's ever going to take my word seriously again? And don't try to convince me either. This has nothing to do with you, and I'm not asking for your help. Just stay out of it."

"Let me talk to Albus." Nicolas took the WhatsApp right out of his hands, Lucifer didn't mind at all, if the old man wanted to take over, great. He stretched and walked into another room to chat with Madam Perenelle.

Right before he closed the door, he heard Nicolas's last line.

"Dumbledore, whose side are you even on?" Once the door shut, soundproofing cut off the rest, he wasn't worried, Nicolas wasn't going to sell him out anyway.

Inside the room, Madam Perenelle was happily playing with Cupid. When she saw Lucifer enter, she waved him over and started asking all kinds of questions about the little creature.

She was no ordinary housewife; she was actually older than Nicolas. What outsiders didn't know was that she was the one who first guided Nicolas into alchemy and even funded his early projects. In a sense, Perenelle was both his teacher and his financial backer.

No wonder Nicolas always said he'd been pretty wild in his youth, and Lucifer definitely couldn't compare.

Eventually Flamel's alchemy talent surpassed hers, and she quietly shifted to being his assistant. But her understanding still surpassed almost everyone else in the world. All her questions were highly technical, with a unique feminine angle that he had never even considered.

"Lucifer," Perenelle asked while stroking Cupid's head, holding the comfy slime in her arms like a pillow, "Since you call her a lifeform... can she learn magic on her own?" The difference between a living being and a construct was thought, learning.

Even the most lifelike gargoyles were still puppets following programmer's rules; their intelligence only existed because the caster was skilled.

But Cupid was different. She wasn't as smart as a gargoyle, maybe, but she could slack off, she could make mistakes, and sense people's emotions. Emotionally, she met the criteria for a living creature.

Learning magic, Shaking his head, he gave his creation a lovable stare of a father, "Not yet, She's still missing a key ritual. Right now she can only use pre-inscribed spells."

Perenelle's eyes glimmered.

"A magic surge?"

"You're brilliant," he said sincerely.

"Exactly, her magic surge. Every wizard goes through it. Only the magic born... from that counts as her own, giving a lifeform complete control over it. After seven years at my place, she will have her first outburst."

Lady Perenelle looked at him with a gentle smile, the same way she had once looked at Nicolas, back when he swore he'd create the Philosopher's Stone. Flamel had succeeded, and now she was sure Lucifer would too.

As dusk settled, two winged horses descended into the back garden with a carriage. When Lucifer and Perenelle stepped out of the room, Nicolas was just closing his WhatsApp, clearly having finished his call with Dumbledore.

"How'd it go?" He asked casually. "Is the Headmaster coming to arrest me? Whose side are you taking when that happens?"

"It's fine. Dumbledore came to his senses, I gave him an earful," Nicolas handed the diary back, "This won't affect you."

"It was never going to affect me. I didn't use magic at any point. The 'Statute of Secrecy' doesn't say underage wizards can't get into fights, right?"

"You really didn't use a single spell?"

Nicolas's leg mid-way froze. Thinking back on what Dumbledore just told him, he'd assumed there was some exaggeration but apparently not.

"That's why I said I won't be in trouble." Smiling a bit, he waved over. The carriage stairs unfolded on their own and settled neatly on the lawn, "Come on. Looks like everyone else is already here."

xxxxxxx

At Hogwarts, Dumbledore did something he rarely did: he poured himself a full glass of whiskey.

The moment his fingers touched the glass, frost spread across the rim, and in seconds it had cooled to the perfect drinking temperature. From start to finish, Nicolas Flamel had scolded him. And the truth was Dumbledore couldn't remember the last time anyone had lectured him like that.

Honestly, he wasn't sure it had ever happened before in his entire life.

"Albus, the world doesn't run on right, wrong. It runs on what's worth it and what isn't," Nicolas had told him.

"You're really going to push that boy to opposite side because of a bunch of schemers and opportunists? And that includes me away too?"

Of course Dumbledore understood that principle, For the greater good wasn't so different from what Nicolas just said. But he had missed two important points. First: different positions mean vary of interests.

Second:

'Lucifer... was already a Dark Lord.'

Although Voldemort had coined the title, it had spread across the world by the time Grindelwald resurfaced. It no longer carried an evil meaning; had become more of a warning title, something that made others think twice before causing trouble.

Simply, a Dark Lord wasn't someone who had to do evil. It was someone whose personal will towered over the magical world's values, and who actually had the strength to enforce it.

Grindelwald had been one. Voldemort too. Even Dumbledore himself had shaped the world in quiet ways, nudging everything toward his own plans. So he was one too.

And now it was Lucifer's turn.

Gellert Grindelwald had ideals that resonated and charisma to sway crowds. Voldemort used ruthless dark magic and fear.

Lucifer wasn't like those two. If anything, he resembled Dumbledore more, building bonds through emotion and loyalty. Without anyone noticing, he gathered a surprising number of people around him and did it better than he ever had.

Albus Dumbledore had begged Nicolas for help back then, and he only stepped in once. After that, left to his own devices. Newt had only been half willing and still ended up running around battlefields for him.

But now? Lucifer hadn't even asked for anything. Nicolas stepped up for him immediately and without hesitation, Tina and Newt would probably react the same way.

.....If this whole thing had blown up, Dumbledore didn't even want to imagine what the magical world would look like afterward.

Grindelwald would probably be laughing from Berlin. 'You could doubt an alchemist's dueling skills, but not his arsenal of bizarre creations. Six hundred years of tinkering... if Nicolas wanted to, he could create trouble worse than Gellert and Tom combined.'

Dumbledore downed his drink and sighed silently, "Maybe I should have taken the potion, and had a child back when things were good with Gellert..."

He opened his WhatsApp again and began contacting his own network. Once a decision was made, hesitation would only turn everyone into enemies, "Staying vaguely neutral forever is a fantasy...."

xxxxxxx

Meanwhile, the Greengrass Castle was a whirlwind of activity. A giant Christmas tree had been set up in the backyard, branches wrapped in silver tinsel, sparkling with little ornaments and topped with a shining lucky star.

Hearing the carriage arrive, Lady Greengrass, her daughters, a shaky Hermione who felt like she was under a walking dream and the Scamanders stepped out to greet them.

"Good evening, Mr. Flamel," Evelyn said with deep respect.

"No need for such formality. We're all family." Nicolas smiled and nodded politely before dropping the formalities. He and the Greengrass had never been close before but now he was basically the groom's side of the family. Calling as such wasn't wrong at all.

Inside the villa, the Slimes had decorated every room with holiday cheer. Cooking, though, wasn't part of their nature's programming, so two house-elves were busy in kitchen, and delicious smells filled the air.

Lady Greengrass was chatting with Perenelle. The little fluttery globes now showing two yellow wings hovered around the kitchen watching the elves cook.

....Nicolas watched them with interest.

Meanwhile, Lucifer had rearranged the dining room, transforming a long table into a round one. Round tables were rare in the West, maybe only used in political meetings. But for family dinners, it felt much livelier.

The plating could be handled in the kitchen, and magic made it easy to deliver the food straight to each person's plate.

Newt wandered over to help since he had nothing else to do, and the two men chatted about recent events, he had run into something rather annoying. Britain had two native dragon species: 'the Welsh Green and the Hebridean Black.'

The Green was the gentler of the two-still vicious compared to most animals, but gentle for a dragon.

The Ministry kept more than twenty Welsh Greens for materials, which they sold to various manufacturers. It was a decent revenue stream. But recently, the entire Green colony had come down with Dragon Pox.

The disease wouldn't kill them, but it wrecked their already pitiful breeding rate. Word got out that Newt had moved back to Britain, so the 'Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures' begged him to treat them.

Newt didn't want money as payment. He just asked for a few herbs that grew near dragon nesting grounds.

The Ministry agreed at once, but once the dragons were cured, those herbs were suddenly gone. The Ministry had sold them all, and the next batch wouldn't mature until June next year.

'Bang!'

Lucifer slapped the newly moved tea table so hard it rattled, "That's ridiculous! They did that because you're too nice, and they think they can get away with stiffing you! Grandpa Newt, you should change your profession and go collect debts. You'd be perfect, we can call you Wolf Scamander."

If you really traced the blame all the way back, it still circled around to him in the end. The 'Ministry for Magic' only had so much money each year. But now that they were trying to block him from selling anything to Grindelwald, the British along with a few others had squeezed their budgets dry. When you're desperate for funds, you sell anything that isn't nailed down.

"Wolf? Why'd you give me that nickname?" Newt asked, puzzled.

"Cold, rational, always settles a score. If you're not a little scary, how's anyone supposed to take you seriously?" Lucifer replied without thinking.

To that Newt could only show a helpless smile, "It's really not a big problem. The Ministry never said they wouldn't pay me. There are just two herbs I urgently need."

"You can't let them get away with it. Why are you so absurdly good-tempered?" If someone dared owe Lucifer anything in Devil's Contract, they'd be in a worse state than Graves by now.

"I'll mention it to Director Bones later," Lucifer said, setting a candlestick on the table and rotating it until it looked right, "What ingredients are you still missing?"

Newt listed a few, and the boy realized he had all of them in his private stash. Not because he'd collected them himself, but because Daphne had.

In her endless attempts to lure Fawkes over to her side, she bought all kinds of rare and bizarre herbs. But the Phoenix always ate the offering and flew off without even looking at her. After a while the little witch lost interest, and the remaining herbs ended up in Lucifer's storeroom.

However, Newt didn't stand on the ceremony either, he just said he'd pay Lucifer back once the Ministry released his salary. Half an hour later, dinner was ready.

Everyone took their seats. Daphne had a Slime curled up in her arms. The smile on her face hadn't faded all evening, since it was her first time spending Christmas, with Lucifer at her home.

"Lady Greengrass, you're the host. Say a few words," Nicolas reminded her.

Evelyn scratched her cheek awkwardly, then as if finding an escape, she looked towards her husband, "Lucifer, dear?"

"...We're all family here. Do we really need to make this formal?"

"Of course we do," She cut in with a smile before he could use another route to escape, "We're not asking for a Ministry speech. Just share your hopes for the coming year. No dodging."

"Alright, alright."

Lucifer stood with a glass of what came to be orange juice, meeting everyone's eyes one by one, "For the new year, health and safety come first. I hope everyone stays well and safe. As for expectations... I hope to make progress in alchemy. Charm my lovely witches with happiness, while I'm at it. How's that?"

"That sounds lovely," Evelyn said warmly.

Hermione frowned a bit, she couldn't find an opening to talk before at all, "What did you mean charm your lovely witches? Are there any others I don't know about?"

A cold sweat ran down the back of his neck, Lucifer when put on the spot earlier had almost forgotten his girlfriend was here, "Of course, I meant you Granger, even my cat has taken a fancy to yours."

"That seems like avoidin----"

Perenelle shot Nicolas a hard glare, which shut his mouth, "Let the boy have a hobby. Weren't you the one who used to enjoy watching cows and horses mate?"

Nicolas practically shot out of his chair, lunging to cover her mouth, but he was far too slow. She finished the sentence long before his hand got there. Everyone froze for a second, then burst into laughter. Only three girls tried to laugh politely, cheeks bright red.

"Professor Flamel, I didn't expect you to have that kind of... pastime," Hermione muttered under her breath, as she talked out loud, couldn't comprehend to match the real person from what she had read in her first year at Hogwarts.

While Lucifer finally caught a piece of Nicolas's blackmail material, the atmosphere warmed instantly.

....Most of the conversation turned into women sharing funny stories, Newt and Nicolas's embarrassing moments, things the sisters did as children, while Hermione mentioned how her parents once found trouble to use braids on a pair of twins.

Lucifer was the safest one at the table; nobody could expose his black history. Perks of being an abandoned orphan.

He even opened a window into his space so Grindelwald could take a look at some familiar faces. Unfortunately, the old man only watched for a few minutes, cursed Nicolas for three seconds, Newt for ten, then logged off. He had a lot on his plate, including brainwashing the new Acolytes.

No, no that was instilling ideals, recruiting like-minded companions. And if they weren't, well, you made them understand. Throughout the entire dinner, Lucifer and Nicolas never mentioned what had happened in North America. Clearly Newt and Tina still hadn't heard or read 'the Daily Prophet' for the last few days, otherwise they wouldn't be this calm.

There was a good chance some of the dead Aurors maybe even some members of the Graves family were Tina's friends or students. But he still wouldn't hold back, there were too many tangled relationships in the magical world. If he cared about everyone's feelings, wouldn't be able to offend anyone at all.

After dinner, snow began to fall over the courtyard, perfectly on cue. Everyone lit the patio fireplace, set out rocking chairs, and relaxed as they waited for Christmas to arrive.

Mr. Flamel casually mentioned he was planning to move here, which left poor Newt baffled, "Nicolas, weren't you just saying you weren't going to move?"

The old man pointed behind him helplessly, "Lucifer has already started creating alchemical life. How am I supposed to stay in Paris after that? Being closer makes everything easier. And if I go back, it'll just be me doing research alone. Help me find a piece of land... I want the house built before the month's over."

"Leave it to me, Lucifer already picked his plot, it's on mountaintop next to mine. The slope a bit lower down isn't bad either...."

Whatever the case, Nicolas moving over was great news. After midnight, Astoria couldn't keep her eyes open, so Lucifer carefully carried her back to her room.

....Daphne immediately pretended to be asleep when she saw him coming, he could see clearly she was peeking at him through her hair, but pretended not to notice and carried her off anyway.

"Wait a few years, okay?"

Hermione Granger meanwhile was giving her cat, Crookshanks a stern talk of adulthood, and what it felt like growing up, how to be careful doing stuff with Eve. She had borrowed a few books 'from' Greengrass Library.

The adults all exchanged amused smiles, the night passed quietly for others, Lucifer had discreetly gone to visit Bones Manor like he promised, only to find Amelia with hands inside her panties rubbing, she was openly peeping on Susan and her best friend Hannah Abbott at the doorway, making out, those girls were practically eating the other's face.

xxxxxx

When Lucifer opened his eyes the next morning, he saw an enormous pile of presents stacked so high they formed a wall between his bed and the door. This was exactly the kind of sight that improved one's mood.

Even if many gifts weren't worth much, unwrapping them was pure stress relief. He sat in his favourite armchair by the fire and began opening, was just about to begin when there was a soft 'tap tap' at the window and he looked around to see Rowena perched just outside.

"Hello!" he called brightly as she fluttered in. "It's been too long."

She hooted happily and landed on the sofa across from where he'd been sat before looking at him expectantly.

He threw a treat into the air for her and then, with a chuckle, Lucifer slid back into the chair. He'd received a specialised book on Hippogriffs from Hagrid that covered dietary needs, exercise and almost anything else you needed to know about the creatures, boxes of sweets from Harry, a broom maintenance and cleaning kit from Ginny, and from Luna a weird new set of scales (his own had been getting worn down).

He had given her the bracelet which Amenadiel charmed at Lux. Then felt a bit confident, turned to a weird parcel and unwrapped it, out fell a deep ocean blue knitted jumper emblazoned with his initial and a note.

He picked up the note and read.

'Dear Lucifer

We still owe you for the investment. And, Somehow able to convince mum to do it. Been sent along to Hermione.

Hope it was worth the wait!

Merry Christmas

Fred George 

Fred and George Fred George'

Laughing at the mental image of Fred and George fighting over who got to write their name first, Lucifer pulled the jumper on over his head, he had given the other 'Petrifying Eye' to Alexandra, and that version leaned heavily toward protection.

....In danger, the amulet would shield her and trigger serpent's gaze, enough to keep even an adult wizard at bay.

Darcy Valentine had threatened to be angry for half a month. Imagine opening a gift from your beloved, exquisite in form and powerful in function, your heart melting... then reading the little line at the end, "please pass this to your little sister."

'Anyone would explode!'

He decided not to dare provoke Miss Valentine at all for the next course of months; better to have Narcissa source more jewellery as peace offerings. Then, he picked up the parcel that he'd wrapped himself to give to Hermione.

....He wasn't left waiting long as she came knocking on his room five minutes later, the early riser this version of her was.

He turned to greet her and choked.

Hermione was wearing a deep purple knitted jumper that suited her, but along the front was emblazoned with a large red heart supporting Lucifer and her initials. He spluttered at the sight, but his girlfriend seemed completely unphased as she moved over to join him.

"Something wrong?" She asked innocently, staring at the look on his face, then around the room which didn't offer much to even walk properly, he would definitely need help.

"I, uhhh, no… nothing at all… Mrs Weasley sent you something nice then?"

"Oh yes!" Hermione said brightly, looking down at her jumper, "She said Fred and George wanted to try and embarrass me, but quite frankly I don't see what there is to be embarrassed about."

She plonked herself down onto the arm of his chair, her smile a mix of genuine happiness and a smirk.

"Well… of course not…" Lucifer said, trying to compose himself, "After all, we are dating."

"Yep. And if people don't like it then they need to learn to deal with it," Hermione said and she pushed something into his hands.

"Now, before you set the chair on fire with the heat from your face, open that, hehe~"

Lucifer unwrapped it and out fell a small handheld mirror. He picked it up curiously and span it between his fingers, then raised it in front of him.

"Bit blurry," he said as vague shadows moved along the outskirts of its frame.

"That's because it's not a normal mirror, It's a foe glass."

"Where on earth did you get one?" He asked, a pretty shocked expression on his face, it wasn't even available in the Knockturn alley.

"Dervish and Banges.' They've got all sorts in there. I didn't think you'd want a Sneakoscope, Harry's already got one so---" She was interrupted from continuing as Lucifer got to his feet and hugged her.

He tilted her head up and kissed her, before pulling out the wrapped package he had for her. Her eyes lit up as she withdrew the planner, and she thumbed through it excitedly, each colour representing a different subject and awaiting her notes.

"This will be perfect for my exam revision!" Hermione called happily once she'd finished checking it over. "Thank you so much!"

Rowena gave a hoot as the two hugged again and she laughed.

"Don't worry. Haven't forgotten you."And she pulled out a small bag of owl treats, throwing a couple towards her.

"She's going to change owners soon," Lucifer said, throwing a small glare at the owl. "Pretty sure she loves you more than me at this point."

"Wait, I'll be back in a minute. I forgot Crookshanks in my room!" And that, Hermione marched outside to the door, she was greeted by a snoring Daphne and a very lively Astoria dragging her to enter Lucifer's room, when saw how the older girl still looked out of it, she laughed out loud.

"Merry Christmas to you two!"

xxxxxx

"Sorry...."

Hermione picked Crookshanks up who had a string of tinsel tied around his neck and looked grumpy.

.....

Oooh, Lucifer's brain clicked that could make it even better, why not use those Greengrass sisters to handle the cleanup? From seven thirty all the way to nine, he had been tearing open packages. Astoria joined in to help.

Hermione had come back with her cat in arms, her eyelids twitched when she saw Daphne had somehow gotten herself in ribbons, and was struggling to get loose while Crookshank's expression changed when he saw Eve playing with a toy mouse that Lucifer had gotten her.

He launched himself from Hermione's arms and started playing with his female companion.

"And I see you both got jumpers," Daphne said, nodding to the deep blue and purple the two of them supported.

Hermione straightened her jumper out slightly to show the heart and the blonde coughed horribly, "The twins thought it would be a hilarious prank," She said simply as she turned back to her planner on the armchair, "But I quite frankly don't mind it."

"Wonder why," Astoria said smugly.

The three of them 'finished' sorting everything before eleven.

Daphne had originally wanted to help, but Astoria kicked her out because she thought her sister's clumsy hands and loud fussing were only making things worse.

xxxxxxx

Evelyn had come over, and told the girls to take a bath, her daughters had the' family' tradition of washing each other's back on Christmas, Daphne cheerfully asked Hermione to join, but she kindly refused, and went to pick up on a nice set of clothes.

......

Lucifer moved over handing the cat back to his girlfriend in her guest room, "I think you should shut Crookshanks up in your dormitory for a while, just to be safe after we go to Hogwarts? Besides, I'm of the opinion that if Potter wants to kill himself riding a broom possibly sent to him by a psychotic murderer, I say let him. It's his life that his parents gave up theirs to protect, so why should we stop him? If he dies, he dies."

He knew Black was innocent, but Potter didn't, and just by reading up the words on WhatsApp, he felt that strange sense of pity for Voldemort again, then toasted to his demise.

Hermione was incredibly reluctant to agree with him on that, and how he could talk about his friend like that was beyond her. She grabbed Crookshanks and looked up at her boyfriend, she was sure he'd grown a little taller in the time they've already been at Greengrass Castle.

"Okay..." She said quietly.

Lucifer nodded and went back to Rowena standing up at the top of her door, who Hermione just noticed was wearing a tiny little Elf Hat, and she glared at the boy with daggers.

If looks could kill, he'd be one dead Wizard. She giggled and put up Crookshanks on her bed, who had a sad face, "At least, you would have Eve to play with...." 

She said, noticing Lucifer's cat prowling her legs at the study table.

xxxxxx

.....Currently doing a video-call to see how the Great Hall looked, she saw Harry was still examining his Firebolt through his WhatsApp, which just irked her even more. She promised her boyfriend she'd let it go, but could she hold her word to that?

The two of them were snuggled in by the fireplace, with Hermione rapidly filling in her Homework planner and Lucifer idly spinning the foe glass in his hand.

"What's that, Lucifer?" Harry asked as he was somehow able to tear his gaze from the Firebolt.

"Foe glass," Lucifer said, holding it up. "Hermione got it for me. You see the faint outlines?" He held it up so Harry could see it.

"Kind of?" Harry said, while squinting in the video.

"That's good. As long as they appear as just shimmers and shadows then you're okay. The clearer they get, the more in danger you are. They represent those you consider enemies... As long as it's vague and unfocused then they aren't close enough to be a threat. The moment they solidify however, you need to watch your back."

Harry nodded absent-minded, then went back to use his fingers to rub on the handle of the broomstick, making sure it was real.

When he got to the Great Hall carrying his open Diary to send over the visuals, the decorations, though she'd already seen them with Ginny yesterday, but she still thought they were gorgeous.

The House Tables had all been slid away against the walls and instead, a single table set for twelve rested in the middle of the room. Professor Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick were there, alongside Filch who had attempted to dress for the occasion.

The only other people present at the table were two very scared looking first years.

"Merry Christmas, it seems we have guests on the video!" Dumbledore called brightly as the four of them entered and made their way over. "As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House Tables. Sit down, sit down!"

Harry and Ron sat themselves down on one side, with the former putting up his Diary in such an angle, Hermione caught McGonagall's eye, who nodded at the girl's jumper, smirking knowingly, it made her cheeks flushed, and straightened out the heart initial jumper even more.

"Crackers!" Dumbledore said enthusiastically, offering the end of a large silver one to Snape, who looked reluctant to partake in old antics.

Snape grabbed it and tugged, and with a bang like a gunshot, the Cracker flew apart to reveal a large, pointed Witches hat topped with a stuffed Vulture. Hermione looked to her right at Lucifer and could see him straining to not burst out into laughter. 

.....She smiled remembering Neville discussing what he would have imagined if his Boggart came to be Professor Snape on their first day in Lupin's class. Her smile faded the more she remembered, especially with how the class ended.

"Tuck in!" Dumbledore exclaimed, beaming around the table. He was wearing the Witches hat presently.

"Think the decorations are trying to tell you two something," Harry said while snickering as he looked from the notebook at Lucifer and Hermione. The two of them looked around and in unison both spotted the lump of Mistletoe now dangling above the pair.

It was Evelyn Greengrass's doing, hoping she would get herself under one with Lucifer in front of the children, and would get away with harmless fun, but her scheme fell apart when it found Daphne, two kissed on each other's lips for a second, displaying flushed cheeks, and played it to not give 'those ideas!'

Lucifer looked at Hermione who simply shrugged, grabbed him by the front of his jumper and pulled into a kiss. All the teachers barring Snape 'awwww'd and gave a small round of applause.

Snape was looking mutinous, Harry was smirking and Ron was open-mouthed.

"May want to close that, Weasely," Lucifer said, pointing to his open mouth, "Or one of the bundles there at Hogwarts may just float in there."

Harry was now quietly helping herself to some Roasted Turkey and Chipolatas when someone entered the Great Hall. Both Lucifer and Hermione leaned over with foreheads touching at the side of it, and saw it was none other than Professor Trelawney gliding towards the table.

She had worn a green sequined dress for the occasion of Christmas day. The dress made her look more than ever like a glittering dragonfly.

"Sybill, this is a pleasant surprise," Dumbledore said from his seat at the table. He made to stand up when Trelawney stopped him, "No! There are Thirteen of you right now! If one of you rises, you will be the first to die!"

"Then let me get a chair for you so that you may sit with us," Dumbledore was still smiling as he pulled out his wand and waved it, a chair from somewhere else in the Castle came, presumably, to allow Professor Trelawney to sit with them.

She sat down at once, allowing them all to take a moment to watch her sigh in relief that the number of people dining together was now up to Fourteen.

Professor McGonagall spooned something and handed it over to Trelawney, "Tripe, Sybil?"

Sybil looked at her, before looking around.

"The poor fellow is ill again," Dumbledore said most regretfully, "A terrible shame it had to happen on Christmas Day."

"Surely you already knew that, Sybil?" Professor McGonagall seemed to poke the sleeping bear, because Trelawney looked at her with a less than friendly gaze.

This made Hermione to quickly stuff a roasted white snowish marshmallow from the bed side table into her mouth to smother her laughter.

They then bantered back and forth a moment, before Dumbledore put a halt to it, "I doubt," he said louder than usual, "that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, you made the Potion for him, correct?"

"Of course, Headmaster," Snape said with his usual sneer.

"Then I hardly think we need to worry more about him. I'm sure if he were here, he'd be asking us to all Tuck in to this delicious feast," Dumbledore smiled, basically telling them all to get to eating.

xxxxxx

By the afternoon, everyone had set up a grill in courtyard for a Christmas barbecue. On this holiday, nobody really went out, and most shops were closed anyway. The day after was when the shopping frenzy would begin.

Lucifer was still wondering why North America hadn't responded yet. It had been days and they hadn't come after him, all they'd done was send a complaint to Dumbledore.

But it wasn't because anyone was shielding him, but because... well, Ministry was also on holiday.

Expecting most wizards to work overtime was impossible. Only a handful of overly responsible staff stayed on duty, The 'North American Ministry' actually did send an official notice. But the on-duty clerk of Britain took one look at the MACUSA seal, ignored it, and tossed into the non-urgent pile to be dealt with after the holiday.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore's lobbying was taking effect.

He insisted Lucifer had only fought back defensively, the initial casualties were caused by internal Graves misfires, and shouldn't be blamed on the school boy. If they hadn't used lethal curses, the tragedy wouldn't have escalated.

With Dumbledore's name attached, as long as he spoke seriously, even if he said black was white, plenty of people would start doubting themselves, wondering if they'd been Confunded.

Magical Congress's President Samuel G. Quahog was shocked and furious. He hadn't expected Dumbledore to throw away fairness and simply overpower them.

Fed up, he stopped trying to hide the scandal and leaked it directly.

xxxxxxx

The next day, the 'New York Ghost' ran a front-page story on the current state of the Graves family, unable to go home, unable to step outside, with a pig flap and two signs on their doorstep photographed as the main cover image.

The news spread across other continents at once, for the first time, the name "Lucifer Morningstar" appeared in the public eye labeled as Dark Lord, dangerous sorcerer, wielder of black magic.

The reputation was terrible, yet it let the world know exactly what he'd accomplished, his infamy had begun.

Even Britain's 'Daily Prophet' which had been only sharing crisps of unconfirmed rumours joined in. Lucifer's WhatsApp nearly exploded with classmates asking if news was true, and how it felt to take on an entire 'family' alone.

This made him a bit confused, he hadn't bothered to read Daily Prophet before, and just assumed by Hermione's messages, he had gotten famous over the holidays, and cause everyone would probably be busy, they hadn't contacted him about the murders.

He even 'foolishly' concluded the Scamanders hadn't read the paper, or if did, thought better not to ask such private issues, and respected his choice, but now, it wasn't the case at all, so where did Hermione get her information, what Daily Prophet was she even reading from?

Cause Tina, after seeing the articles, she came to ask him everything directly on the day itself. When she finished listening, fell silent for a long time, then let out a soft, exhausted sigh, "Everything's changed, I tell you," She left looking drained.

Greed and provocation always came with a price, Tina understood that. Unfortunately, many others didn't, or believed they could handle the consequences.

xxxxxx

The last days of the year were filled with shouting and arguments. And the one who added most fuel to the fire was Grindelwald, who passed a message through the 'German Minister of Magic.'

"Lucifer Morningstar? He blocked my magic and saved Hogwarts Castle. And people are shocked he crushed a handful of American bumpkins? Well... leaving someone like him at Hogwarts is a waste. How about becoming my student instead?"

Dumbledore's beard practically curled in rage. You want to steal my student? I'm the headmaster. What are you?

The warm invitation sent by Grindelwald rose the frenzy to a whole new level. Many European ministries shifted from indifference to urgency, hoping MACUSA would settle down and stop pushing Lucifer toward the enemy side.

One Dark Lord was bad enough. They didn't need a second in training on top of that. At that point, Wizarding world might as well pack it in.

Under Lucifer's pestering, Granger was kicked out of the Castle, to go spend the rest of her holidays with her family, she wanted to of course, but couldn't bring in herself leaving him when there might be a hearing.

On New Year's Day, 1994, Madam Bones, acting as a mediator, arrived at the Greengrass estate, "Security Chief Ivan Leopold of the 'Magical Congress of the United States of America, Babajide Akingbade of the 'International Confederation of Wizards' (ICW), and Robert Graves all arrived in London yesterday."

She briefed him on the situation.

"Leopold is demanding that MACUSA prosecute you, but Dumbledore shut that down immediately. Babajide wants to play mediator, Graves hasn't said anything until now.!Either way, this has reached the point where it has to be resolved... There'll be a hearing in three days."

"Three days?" Lucifer frowned when he checked over his notepad, "I've already scheduled to visit Zebel's that day, tell them tomorrow morning I'll go to your office, and if they don't show, then forget it. If you've got the guts, come arrest me."

"Um..." Amelia hesitated, not agreeing right away, she being the rational here contacted the Ministry first. Lucifer didn't rush her, taking his honey-moon time eating breakfast with Daphne and Astoria.

By the time they were done, Bones had her answer, "They agreed at nine," She added with a serious face, "Dumbledore will be there too, he's talking with Babajide right now. It should... 'not be a problem."

Lucifer nodded absently. Since the crowd turned up in force, he figured he could invite a few people of his own to liven things up. As soon as Bones left, he started calling in favors, one day was plenty.

xxxxx

The Next morning, the 'British Ministry of Magic ' was completely bewildered as it welcomed more than a dozen important guests from various countries. Some were Ministry officials, while groups which arrived later were representatives of influential 'families'. None had appointments, or invitations, but all of them just showed up out of blue.

Fudge was hosting Babajide and Robert when he got Umbridge's report, he was just as confused.

While Robert's face changed the moment he heard, a bad feeling crept inside the brain, sure enough, when Fudge finished greeting the visitors, he came back looking strange.

"Gentlemen, it seems today's hearing will be... a bit more crowded."

At 8:50, Lucifer arrived at Ministry of Magic, with Evelyn Greengrass, 'Head of the Magical Transportation', leading him by the hand to Bones' office.

Seeing their grasped hands together, Amelia gave a helpless smile, "I didn't expect you to pull together such a huge crowd. My office can't hold them, everyone else has moved to Courtroom Nine."

Lucifer raised a brow at her way of phrasing, "What, they planning to put me on trial?"

"Of course not, we're just using it as a meeting room. The layout has already been changed."

Rules were rigid, people not. For an ordinary underage witch or wizard caught performing magic outside school, they'd get a warning on record or go straight to a formal trial. Nobody would give them a chance to defend themselves. But Lucifer clearly wasn't in the ordinary category anymore.

Inside Courtroom Nine, two long rows of tables had been set up with a wide aisle in the middle, the sides clearly divided. When he entered, Robert stared at him with naked hatred. On the other side, Lucifer's guests smiled and stood to greet him.

Everyone he had invited was either one of his current distributors or families and countries eager to become in good relations.

Although built on profit might be blunt, but as long as no bigger cream holder appeared, they were the most stable alliances. This time the unlucky one was Graves, embarrassment belonged to the MACUSA, and none of it touched continental Europe.

As for the ICW, no one needed to save its face either. If it dared meddle in another country's internal affairs, every nation present would push back hard.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Graves." Lucifer took the main seat in the front row. He nodded toward Dumbledore first, then smiled brightly at Rober, "Great to see you again. Where are the other Graves? Why didn't they come?"

"Morningstar, don't get cocky."

Robert forced each word out. "You think being protected means you can do whatever you want?" He looked pointedly at Dumbledore, who changed his gaze away, before it got polluted with something bad.

"Lucifer Morningstar..." Ivan Leopold spoke sternly, he ignored Dumbledore's betrayal for the moment, and said openly, "MACUSA is filing charges with the ICW accusing you of violating the 'Statute of Secrecy,' using magic recklessly outside school during the holidays, and murdering wizards."

"Minister Fudge, Morningstar may be a British wizard, but the crimes were committed in our territory. You should hand him over to the Confederation for arbitration."

"Don't jump to conclusions," Amelia Bones snapped coldly, her mood was very short tempered these days, she had heard witches say, the woman needed to get laid, "This is an accusation, not a verdict. Who says Morningstar violated the laws you just listed?"

"Exactly." Fudge, for once, stood firm, "If you could convict someone just by saying so, why would we need laws at all? Even if Mr. Morningstar really had done something wrong, we would handle it. You don't need to worry."

"According to the 'International Convention', the Confederation only has authority to pursue and arbitrate if our representative submits an international warrant.... Dumbledore, you're our current representative. What's your opinion?"

Lucifer turned his face and saw that the speaker was old Barty Crouch.

Strictly speaking, this wasn't him taking the boy's side. Crouch was rigid and meticulous, obsessed with rules and procedures, he was simply following protocol.

Dumbledore shook his head gently.

"Robert, Babajide... Lucifer acted in self-defense. Young people have tempers, that's normal. It was your man who cast 'the Killing Curse' first and set everything else in motion."

Not only the opposing side, but even many on Lucifer's side turned to stare at Dumbledore. The old man's ability to lie with a straight face was impressive.

This had been Lucifer barging into the Graves estate, not the other way around. If he hadn't provoked them, would they have attacked first?

"Dumbledore, I finally see your true colors," Robert said with a furious, mocking laugh. He pulled out three glass vials, "These are the memories of three clan members, each recorded from a different angle. They show the entire conflict... No matter how you spin it, Morningstar abused magic and ordered his creature to kill wizards."

Leopold produced three kettles.

Robert poured the silver memory threads into them, and white mist surged upward, forming scenes from that night. For most people in the room, it was their first time seeing the memories.

....Watching Lucifer Morningstar break bones one after another, then just with a single touch on forehead they scream with distorted agony and crush wands underfoot made everyone's hearts skip.

A broken bone wasn't a major injury for a wizard, healed in a day or two with the right potion, but the pain was real, bodies twitching on the ground even after being discarded were letting out chilling shreeks.

Even without sound, the expressions on the Graves family members' faces said enough. And when they saw Rayquaza slicing through sky and smashing through estate's wards to intercept Aurors, the room filled with stunned silence and awe.

A dozen Aurors could knock out a dragon without much trouble, but against Rayquaza, their spells weren't even fast enough to reach it.

"Morningstar, what else do you have to say? You're borderline evil, can you all not see the magical core of Wizards' itself being tortured!"

"I've been saying it from the start, Mr. Graves. I'm a law-abiding wizard, I never cast spells outside school. And in the memories you showed, did I cast a single spell?"

Leopold shot back, "Maybe you didn't attack anyone directly, but you clearly used 'Shielding Charms', Acceleration magic, messed up their brains. Those are no different, each and every one violate the Statute of Secrecy."

"Sorry, but ordinary people wouldn't understand. It's a rare gift, my skin has extremely high resistance to magic, how to say in wizardry terms, even stronger than a Dragon's. Physically I'm not far off either."

To demonstrate, Lucifer raised his hand, Evelyn Greengrass cooperated by casting a Stunner at his palm. The glow of the spell vanished the instant it touched his skin, leaving no mark.

"Did I use magic just now?" He asked, watching their stunned faces.

"You..." Robert's chest was heaving with anger and envy. Why should he get that kind of talent while Graves had none? "Fine. What about the creature you ordered to kill?!" he pushed on, "Even if you didn't use magic, the deaths are real. Ten people, Morningstar. You're nothing but an executioner."

"That's a role I kindly bestow upon my people, Usaki isn't a pet. She's my daughter, friend, my partner," Lucifer corrected the man in a gentle voice of a kid who was being wronged, "She saw you lot bullying me and got angry. So she took revenge on her own. Wizarding law doesn't apply to her, if you think you can capture her, go ahead. I won't stop you."

What a joke... Between her flight and her species' natural power, there wasn't a soul alive in this world who could threaten her right now.

"There's nothing left to discuss. If you can find a single piece of evidence that I.... broke the law, do whatever you want with me. If not, stop bothering. Minister Fudge, you can show them the monitoring report so Mr. Graves don't keep wasting everyone's time."

Fudge nodded eagerly, his top hat wobbling but never fell down due to magic, "Rest assured, Mr. Morningstar. The 'British Ministry' never wrong an innocent man."

Lucifer even thought that for someone like Fudge, being Minister suited him. As long as you didn't go against him, he was a very agreeable, very loyal lapdog.

Robert and Babajide were arguing furiously now. To be fair, the later didn't want to wade into mess at all. Grindelwald was the real threat weighing on entire wizarding world.

But ever since the early twentieth century, MACUSA and ICW had grown tightly intertwined. Within the Confederation, the North American bloc was the strongest faction. Without Robert's support, Babajide might as well be a commander without troops.

'Creeeaaaak----'

The heavy iron doors of courtroom swung open. Scrimgeour walked in with a grave expression, every eye turned toward him.

The room fell silent, he scanned the chamber, then spoke in a low voice that carried with perfect clarity.

"Vinda Rosier is here. She wants to see Lucifer Morningstar."

Ten minutes later, the seating in the courtroom had shifted again. Robert, Babajide, and the rest had all quietly moved over to Lucifer's side, leaving the opposite row nearly empty except for Vinda Rosier and few subordinates she'd brought with her.

In the front row sat Dumbledore, Babajide, and Lucifer, the person at the center of it all, who himself was a bit confused. Why was Vinda here? Grindelwald had said he'd send someone to exert pressure, hadn't said he'd send her.

Anyone with a brain could guess that Grindelwald must be relying on something. Otherwise he wouldn't send someone so important, practically his right hand, straight into enemy territory. Then again there weren't many people with brains in the Wizarding world.

....If anyone was stupid enough to start a fight here, Lucifer had already decided he wasn't helping. If Grindelwald had miscalculated, wasn't his job to fix it.

He glanced at the ICW's president.

Babajide's eyes were shining. Everyone knew Vinda Rosier, the black rose of France, Grindelwald's most capable aide, the second most important Acolyte. And if she could be captured here.

But Vinda clearly understood what he was thinking. Her lips curved into a playful smile, "Akingbade, are you considering taking me in right here? I really wouldn't recommend it."

"You think I won't?"

Babajide Akingbade shot a sideways look at Dumbledore, and immediately felt much braver. He even regretted that Grindelwald hadn't come personally.

If he had, Babajide would gladly pay a huge price to trap him in London. After all, the ones who would suffer most would be the British wizarding world, and he didn't care much for them anyway.

"Lord Grindelwald is watching this very moment," Vinda said, crossing her legs elegantly. She looked perfectly relaxed, not the slightest bit tense despite standing in the middle of enemy territory, "If I don't return to Berlin tomorrow, he will launch indiscriminate attacks on both Muggles and wizards. The existence of magic will be fully exposed."

Faces around the room changed instantly.

"He wouldn't dare!" Babajide shouted,

horrified and furious, his entire face had turned purple, "We will not yield to your threats!"

Vinda remained calm while he, the pig, was spitting everywhere on the floor, making it dirty with his presence, "You're more than welcome to test that."

Wanted to bark louder, Babajide however froze, unless he actually attacked her, his threats meant nothing. And if he did attack, he was terrified she was telling the truth.

Grindelwald had always been mad, and after escaping prison, he'd become even more unpredictable. In the end, it was Dumbledore who stepped in and diverted the conversation, rescuing Babajide from the awkward standoff.

"Rosier," he said lightly with a twinkle in eyes, "Why did Grindelwald send you to my student?"

Facing Albus Dumbledore, Vinda's expression grew more solemn. This was the mountain they had never been able to cross. Even now, he blocked the path of Grindelwald and all his Acolytes.

"Mr. Morningstar," She said after composing herself, and bowed politely, "Lord Grindelwald sends his greetings and wishes you good health and prosperity."

No one sensed anything odd. Even Dumbledore, wily as he was, found her behavior unremarkable, elegance was legendary. Everyone in the older generation knew her reputation: a deadly beauty. She could smile and hold an umbrella for you one second, then slip a silent Killing Curse between your teeth the next.

"Uh... I'm doing fine," Lucifer replied, playing along.

"Mr. Morningstar, we aren't so sure about that." The French black rose smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on Babajide and Robert, "It's hard to imagine someone as gifted as you being treated so unfairly.... The decay of the magical world is obvious to anyone. My lord left the 'Nurmengard Castle' at the age of one hundred to prevent our entire race from sliding into decline. The Acolytes and I follow him because of that noble ideal."

Her eyes gleamed with genuine devotion, the kind a starstruck girl would have when looking at her idol.

"Mr. Morningstar," she continued to press on wizards' and witches nerves here, "Lord Grindelwald believes your talent far surpasses his own. He sends you a formal invitation. If you come to Berlin, you will become his sole apprentice, the future leader of the Acolytes, and rightful master of the wizarding world."

"Rosier, That's enough."

Dumbledore's wooly grandfather type expression finally hardened. Babajide felt the air thicken around him until breathing became difficult. The atmosphere seemed to solidify.

"Lucifer is one of the finest students Hogwarts has ever seen. Every professor is doing everything they can to nurture him, myself included. He does not need a teacher whose promises mean nothing."

"Tell Grindelwald this: 'the greatest regret of my life is that I spared him. And that I spared all of you."

"I'll be sure to pass that on, sir." Vinda didn't look offended in the slightest. She knew far more than the average Acolyte, especially about two men standing on opposite sides of her. She knew the kind of truth no one wanted to say out loud.

"But before that," She continued, turning to the boy again, "what is your answer, Mr. Morningstar?"

Everyone else looked at him as well, each with their own motives. Robert, for one, was secretly hoping he would say yes. That would give him the perfect excuse to unleash full power of ICW and MACUSA for payback, and maybe even push Dumbledore into helping.

He believed that harder the old wizard fought to protect Lucifer now, the more devastating betrayal would feel later.

Dumbledore turned his head to look over from behind the spectacles, then froze, when he noticed, Lucifer... he was actually thinking about it.

"Don't let Grindelwald's flattery and promises sway you," the old wizard said urgently, leaning close and lowering his voice, "It's one of his oldest tricks. He's frighteningly good at stirring up people's desires. But I believe in you, Lucifer, eerything he claims he can give you, you can earn on your own."

"I understand, Professor. But if I joined Grindelwald's faction, wouldn't that make it easier to wipe out the Graves family?"

A sharp hiss of breath rippled across the chamber. What was with this kid's vendetta obsession? The Graves had already been ruined, why wasn't that enough for him? The magical world wasn't used to people who casually talked about wiping out entire families. Not even Voldemort, back in the day, had been that insane.

Several wizards cast uneasy looks at the twitchy, miserable Robert. Maybe sacrificing the Graves family wasn't such a terrible idea. At least it'd prevent any more internal conflict.

Wizarding stares were never subtle; they were full of intent and emotion. Robert felt every one of them and wanted nothing more than to bolt out of the room.

"Think about 'Miss Greengrass, Miss Granger, Miss Bones, Miss Abbott, Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood, and Miss Valen---Imagine how heartbroken they'd be if you left Hogwarts." Dumbledore, in desperation, resorted to a beauty-trap strategy, rattling off the names like he was reading from a grocery list.

By the end, Lucifer was staring at him with dead fish eyes, "Professor... do you spend your free time spying on your students' private lives?"

Looking away, Dumbledore felt embarrassed. Paying extra attention to a promising student was normal enough. It wasn't that he didn't want to focus on serious matters, it was just that whenever he looked, Lucifer was always doing something completely unserious. What was he supposed to do?

"I'll consider it carefully, Miss Rosier," Lucifer said, ignoring the gossiping old man and giving her a vague, noncommittal response, "But for now, I'm doing pretty well at Hogwarts. Not planning a job change yet."

He even shot Dumbledore a look that clearly said: "See? I've got this."

"That's a shame," Vinda replied with genuine regret, "My lord and I will always welcome you in Berlin."

She flicked her fingers, and a folded paper crane fluttered through the air, unfolding itself before him. Everyone in the front row saw the contents clearly, a list of products Lucifer h---

"Mr. Morningstar," Vinda said pleasantly, "this is the 'German Ministry of Magic's' procurement list. No delivery deadline, and payment has already been transferred to your Gringotts vault."

Fudge opened his mouth, but a single razor edged glare from Vinda froze him solid, he shut it immediately.

"If anyone dare interferes with your business," She added lightly, "My lord would be happy to stop by their Ministry for a friendly chat every few days."

Then smiling brightly as ever, Vinda readied her departure, "If you need anything from us, or if you're unhappy with the payment, you can contact me anytime."

With that, she rose and headed for the doors, her entourage falling in behind her. Babajide looked torn, but in end didn't dare give the order to stop her.

Scrimgeour looked eager, but Bones' stern glare pinned him to his seat. The hearing ended in a hurry, no one had the energy to quibble over trivialities anymore. Babajide invited Dumbledore to stay and talk; Fudge who needed the public attention followed along as well.

While Lucifer walked up to Robert with a polite little smile, "Mr. Graves. Until we meet again."

Mr. Robert Graves looked up at him with hatred, then faltered. For a brief heartbeat, a strange force brushed against his mind, a thin thread of magic linking their thoughts before snapping. It happened so quickly he didn't even process it.

By the time he blinked, Lucifer was already walking away.

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