Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 - The Forbidden Forest

Excited voices rang out as curious students rushed to the windows, eyes wide.

Half an hour later, the entire group---Ron, Harry, and Charlie's four unfortunate friends---sat 'trembling' in Professor McGonagall's office.

No one had escaped. No one even tried. They'd been caught by Professor Flitwick, who had stumbled upon the exhausted, grounded dragon and nearly passed out from fright.

A fire-breathing dragon. In Hogwarts.

He immediately marched everyone to McGonagall's office, taking Norbert along as well. And since all four adult dragon handlers were former Gryffindors, the shame had to be dealt with at the source.

Harry and Ron sat in a cold sweat, minds 'blank.' They couldn't even imagine what sort of hurricane they were about to face in the form of Professor McGonagall.

As for the four adults? Not 'faring much better!' Graduation didn't mean immunity.

McGonagall had been their Head of House and Deputy Headmistress for seven years. Facing her was like a mouse squaring up to a lioness.

After thirty agonizing minutes of silence, the door finally opened.

In came Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, both in sleepwear.

McGonagall's slippers were on the wrong feet, and she looked like she'd sprinted across half the castle. Behind them trailed Hagrid, carrying a stunned Norbert in his arms, face pale as chalk.

Professor Flitwick wasn't present--this was strictly Gryffindor business, and McGonagall would only be further 'humiliated' if another head of house was watching.

Dumbledore said nothing. His face was as unreadable as a frozen lake.

McGonagall, however, was 'seething.'

She marched right up to Ron and Harry, trembling with barely contained fury, her eyes shooting flames. Her long nose flared as she breathed hard through it.

At that moment, Harry thought McGonagall looked more like a fire-breathing dragon than Norbert did. And frankly, Norbert didn't scare him anymore.

McGonagall 'did.'

"I never imagined... never in all my years, that any of my students could be so... 'recklessly audacious!"

Her voice quivered with rage as she jabbed a finger at Harry and Ron.

"It's one in the morning! And what are you doing? Smuggling a dragon-an 'illegal' dragon, mind you-up the Astronomy Tower!"

"Professor McGonagall, it was all my fault..." Even in panic, Hagrid stood up for them, trying to take the blame.

"Silence, Rubeus!"

McGonagall spun on him like a storm. The half-giant instantly fell quiet, shrinking into the background. Turning back to the boys, she looked utterly disappointed.

"I've never been more ashamed of Gryffindor students than I am right now. In one night, you've broken at least 'fifty' school rules."

With the evidence in front of them and no excuses to offer, Harry and Ron could only hang their heads in shame. After venting her anger on the students, McGonagall turned to the four adult troublemakers.

"Benjamin. Berta. Sifus. Jack."

Her voice was colder now, less emotional but no less cutting.

"I had hoped that after graduation, you'd become responsible, 'competent' witches and wizards. Clearly, you're as foolish now as you were then. If you were still students, I'd dock a hundred points from each of you without hesitation. But since you're not... I have no authority over you. I'll be treating you as intruders on school grounds."

She turned to Dumbledore with a tired huff.

"Albus, do what you must. I've washed my hands of this nonsense. These lunatics are 'beyond me."

Everyone else in the room looked like they were about to be sick.

And Dumbledore? He was exhausted--mentally exhausted.

Just what kind of chaotic prodigies was he surrounded by? Keeping a baby dragon at Hogwarts? Not ideal, but manageable. It was still small, and if no one knew about it, it wasn't a problem.

Getting rid of the dragon? Even better. It meant Hagrid had come to his senses. But how did they manage to screw up the one thing that was actually helping?!

He didn't understand.

No one had reported them. No professors had found out. They could have slipped away clean. Just one simple step--give the dragon a sleeping potion before the flight.

But no. Instead, they managed to not only blow their own cover, but also broadcast the existence of the dragon to half the school!

He could already picture the next few days: Ministry officials showing up, questions being asked, headlines being written...

And in the end? He'd be the one cleaning up their mess.

Dumbledore was 'tired.'

But things had already come this far, and Dumbledore couldn't bring himself to scold them like Professor McGonagall had. He feared that if he added to the storm, Harry, Ron, and Hagrid might just 'break down' completely. So he swallowed his own frustration.

"Ahhh..."

The old man couldn't help letting out a long, weary sigh.

To the others, that sigh was worse than any reprimand. Shame and guilt clamped down on their chests like iron chains.

"Minerva, what's done is done. More scolding won't help at this point," Dumbledore said gently, speaking up in their defense.

Though Dumbledore was the Headmaster, when Professor McGonagall got angry, even he usually stepped aside. After all, Dumbledore often played more the role of a symbolic figure---a calming presence, the school's pillar.

It was McGonagall who ran the day-to-day operations and handled student discipline. Her fairness and integrity were what earned her both the students' respect and 'fear.'

"Those who make mistakes must face consequences," McGonagall said, her voice still trembling with barely suppressed rage. Her chest rose and fell with each indignant breath.

"Punishment is necessary, yes," Dumbledore acknowledged. "But right now, our top priority is containing the fallout." His tone hardened. "Hagrid, aside from Harry and Ron, who else knows about the dragon?"

Hagrid shuffled awkwardly and muttered, "Uh... Lucifer, Hermione, and Greengrass."

"And Malfoy," Harry added quickly.

Dumbledore nodded slightly. "Mr. Morningstar isn't the meddling sort, and neither are his friends. Hagrid, from this moment forward, that dragon was a rare egg I came across by chance... You were simply helping me look after it before I sent it to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. Do you understand?"

Tears welled in Hagrid's eyes. Dumbledore... he was taking the fall for him!

Professor McGonagall understood too. As much as she seethed with frustration, she also knew Dumbledore was doing this for the school's reputation. A random Hogwarts staff member secretly raising a dragon? That would be a scandal. But if it were Dumbledore... well, even she had to admit, people would barely 'bat an eye.'

"And what about these young troublemakers?" McGonagall pointed toward the lineup of both current and former Gryffindors, her anger flaring again.

"Berta, thank you and your friends for your efforts tonight," Dumbledore said kindly, motioning for Hagrid to hand over the dragon, "Norbert won't be waking up for at least two more days. You'll be safe to transport him."

Charlie's friends nodded frantically, promising to keep everything secret. They practically snatched Norbert from Hagrid's arms and bolted out of the castle, not daring to look back.

At last, only Harry and Ron remained.

Dumbledore turned his piercing gaze on Harry. "Harry, I hope this has 'taught you' a valuable lesson. Whatever you do, be thoroughly prepared. The reason you were caught-wasn't because anyone ratted you out. It was entirely your own 'mistake."

McGonagall's expression shifted slightly. Something didn't sit right with her. Was Dumbledore... advising Harry to be more "careful" next time he broke the rules?

"Because your actions disrupted nearly 'halfthe school' tonight, I have no choice but to deduct one hundred points from Gryffindor... You must understand the gravity of this situation. Starting next week, both of you will also be serving detention."

One hundred points?!

....

Harry kept his head bowed, still looking remorseful-but in his heart, he felt a sliver of relief. With all the chaos they'd caused, losing only one hundred points seemed... 'merciful.'

"One hundred each," Dumbledore added after a pause.

Harry's heart sank. Ron's eyes rolled back so hard he nearly passed out on the spot.

Professor McGonagall stood there in silence, eyes twitching, rage simmering beneath the surface.

She didn't even want to speak anymore. All she wanted was to scratch something--'anything'. Her top two students hard work, past two terms---simly gone!'

xxxxxx

The next morning, the hottest topic sweeping through school was, without question, 'the dragon!'

Down in the dungeons, the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs had just caught wind of what they'd missed out on. The Hufflepuffs, in particular, were practically pounding their chests in regret-so close, and yet so far!

The second hottest topic? Gryffindor's House Points.

Overnight, the great hourglass tracking Gryffindor's points had been all but emptied.

---They were left with barely over a hundred---an 'absolutely humiliatinglow', especially with end-of-year exams just around the corner. How were they ever going to catch up now?

Word spread fast. The culprits? Harry Potter and his loyal 'sidekick' Ron Weasley.

No one knew exactly what they'd done---but it must've been a massive screw-up to cost them that many points.

Well... not everyone was in the dark. Lucifer Morningstar certainly wasn't.

He felt genuine pity-for 'Voldemort.'

"How utterly stupid did the Dark Lord have to be to lose to Harry bloody Potter?!"

Lucifer had already neutralized the biggest threat---Malfoy-and somehow, the plan still went up in smoke?!

'All the house points I earned through scheming----?!'

"Potter! You're the best Slytherin asset we've ever had!" Malfoy suddenly yelled across the Great Hall, and the room exploded into laughter.

Even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs turned their annoyed glares toward Harry. They had all been hoping Gryffindor might finally knock Slytherin off their high horse cause of two prodigies---but now? Harry had ruined it.

Harry kept his head down, walking silently back to his seat as if he hadn't heard a word.

xxxxxx

Hermione felt blood tears form in her eyes as she marched straight down to Professor McGonagall's office, and she was not happy to be in the same house as "Harry" and "Ron" at all.

Maybe she really should have gone to RavenClaw? And even more maybe, Lucifer's sorting would also land him there together...?

----Her nostrils were flaring and, even more than Professor McGonagall, she looked ready to send those two boys packing this instant out of Hogwarts, if Hermione Granger could.

She steeled her nerves as best she could to prevent herself from lashing out or breaking down, McGonagall comforted her with a plate of 'Ginger newt biscuits.'

Hermione also got a sip of Gillywater, it tasted like herbal tea, she calmly asked for a second cup.

They shared few minutes under same kind of "despair." She was actually just holding a small grudge.

After her mood was a bit okay, she also went to the next class honestly, while doing her best to ignore her stomach's rumbling----

It wasn't even Hogwarts food she was hungry for anymore, she needed, her Lucifer's 'creamy fluids' on tastebuds.

Only that could soothe her broken heart now.

xxxxxx

And, Harry Potter, who was on the Gryffindor's Quidditch team, the boy who earned so many points.

Everywhere he went, people didn't even bother quieting their voices when he was close.

Harry could swear they actually talked louder, just to make sure he heard them clearly. He took it all without ever breaking the look on his face, but Hermione could tell it was seriously bothering him.

She, of course, tried to console him, "It's really your fault, Harry to let the guard down," and then smiled at him.

"..." Harry, who didn't feel any comfort at all, became even more sullen instead. Some people, also tried to encourage Lucifer by tapping his back, to help, and score more points like before.

Hermione's mouth twitched, who was standing beside him, knew this boy was definitely laughing inside, most likely at her---

Even their match of scoring points, got drowned in the Black lake. She was so deep down in dumps, girl had a nightmare, she was the one serving detentions, and broke rules herself?!

xxxxxx

~Hermione's NightDream~

"Eve was caught, attacking Mrs. Norris....Bloody moron, just pushed her down the stairs. Rowena's definitely smart enough to wipe her tracks...."

Both Hermione and Harry started chuckling at Lucifer's miserable fate, especially, this bushy-haired girl, who thought, he really deserved it for making fun of her.

Malfoy also gave a laugh, he also didn't like that cat.

"Follow me," was all Hermione heard from Filch, because she tuned him out after that. This girl, just kept her eyes forward and saw they were marching out towards Hagrid's Hut.

She could only imagine what their detention would be, "He's not going to kill us, is he?" She asked Lucifer, fear laced in her voice.

He didn't answer, instead squeezed her hand tighter protectively and moved forward, "Let's go, Hermione, there could be Dinosaurs inside?!"

"....." Hermione, who thought, Lucifer was going to protect her.

But it turned out, this boy's attention was somewhere else, the whole time, and started dragging a very, horrified, looking Granger with him.

Only, Filch was also very excited, and hastily led these children out, ""I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won't you, eh?"

This keeper showed that creepy smile, which also showed off his rotting, chipped teeth, "Oh yes... hard work and pain are the best teachers if you ask me... it's just a pity they let the old punishments die out... hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office."

Hermione, moved even closer to Lucifer, holding his hand harder, cutting off the circulation, "I want to ride Dinosaurs again....."

This boy's talk, was just trying to make her go insane, not helping her to calm down at all.

"Keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed..." Filch continued. "And don't think of running off now, it'll be even worse for you!"

The lights inside of Hagrid's hut were lit and the door opened as they neared.

"Is that you, Filch? Hurry up I want ter get started." A voice came, it was Hagrid's.

Hermione, then decreased strength of her grip on Lucifer's hand and let out a sigh of relief, that Hagrid was in charge of their detention.

---Filch must have seen the happiness etched onto Gryffindor's faces since he turned around and gave them more to fear.

"I suppose you think you'll be enjoying yourselves with that oaf? Well think again, it's into the Forest you're going to and very mistaken about wishing to come out in one piece."

Lucifer couldn't help, but complain a little, "Just get on with it already," Very irritated with Fich's talk, that he even ignored, Hermione's death-like, grip on his hand.

It's just Neville moaned at this time, and felt around in his pockets.

"I've forgotten my wand!"

"Too late for that, boy. Into the Forest with you!" Filch pressed.

Malfoy stopped dead in his tracks and widened his eyes at Filch.

"The Forest?!" Harry couldn't repress the smile that formed on his lips at sound of Malfoy being scared.

"We can't go in there. There's all sorts of things in there, Werewolves, I heard." Neville began choking on his own saliva and his face went chalk white.

Lucifer now started to feel Hermione's hand shake within his, "This scum.. doesn't even know, it's not a full moon tonight," he whispered into her ear, which finally made her calm down.

"Should've thought of Werewolves before you got in trouble, eh?" Filch cackled with glee. His favourite thing in the whole world was to make students of Hogwarts develop a fear of him, as if he feasted on children's fear.

Just like Hermione's favourite food was Lucifer's semen, she would do a lot of things to get it.

Hagrid strode over to group, who had now stopped to hear Filch gravel on about the Forest, carrying a large crossbow over his shoulder, while Fang barking at his heel.

"Abou' time," he said. "I bin waitin' fer half an hour already. All right, Harry, Lucifer, Hermione?"

"Shouldn't be too friendly to them, Hagrid. They're here to be punished after all." Filch sneered, he clearly disliked Hagrid's cheerful attitude, who was already hiding the fact, about just losing a baby dragon very well.

"That's why yer late, is it? Bin lecturin' them, eh? 'Snot your place ter do that. Yeh've done yer bit, I'll take over from here."

Filch frowned at Hagrid and steered himself off back to the castle and out of sight, but not before saying, "I'll be back at dawn... for what's left of them." and walked off chuckling to himself.

Not even a second after Filch had left the grounds did Malfoy turn to Hagrid and order him to not take him into the Forbidden Forest.

"Yeh will, if yeh want ter stay at Hogwarts," Hagrid said in a raised voice. "Yeh've done wrong and now yeh've got ter pay fer it."

"But this is servant stuff, it's not for students to do. I thought we'd be writing lines or something. If my father knew I was doing this, he'd-"

"Tell yer that's how it is at Hogwarts." Hagrid was growling at Malfoy now, making him cower away a little. "Writin' lines! What good's that ter anyone? Yeh'll do summat useful or yeh'll get out. If yeh think yer father'd rather you were expelled, then get back ter the castle an' pack. Well? Go on!"

That made Malfoy shut up. He didn't want the blame for dishonouring the Malfoy's name. That honour fell to Lucius, or Draco's children.

The group of five followed Hagrid into the Forest while listening to his pep talk on, what they're doing and how to be safe doing it.

"Right then, now, listen carefully, 'cause it's dangerous what we're gonna do tonight an' I don' want no one takin' risks." Hagrid led them to a strangely coloured and shiny puddle resting in middle of the path.

"Look there, see that stuff shinin' on the ground? You know what that is?"

"Bird poo?" Lucifer questioned, hoping to ease Hermione's nerves more, so she would let him go wild, in the forest.

Hagrid let out a chuckle before telling them that it was unicorn blood, which must have been hurt very badly.

This didn't help Hermione feel any better. Their mission was to find it and either help it or put it out of its misery. But of course, Malfoy had to put an eerie mood on the group.

"And what if that thing, who damaged the unicorn finds us first?!"

Lucifer was now beginning to forget what having a hand felt like, and just by taking a look, Harry knew, Hermione's strength probably rivalled Uncle Vernon's.

"There's nothin' that lives in the Forest that'll hurt yeh if yer with me or Fang." Hagrid tried to reassure Malfoy, while moving his chest upwards, "An' keep ter the path. Right, now, we're gonna split inter two parties an' follow the trail in diff'rent directions. There's blood all over the place, it must've bin staggerin' around since last night at least."

"I want Fang!" Malfoy called dibs.

""Kay then. Harry, Neville -" He went to say Hermione but caught sight of Lucifer and her combined hands. "With me. And Lucifer, Hermione, keep an eye on Malfoy, will yeh? Just send up red sparks if yer in trouble an' we'll find yehs."

The now two groups split off on different trails in search of the injured unicorn.

They walked in silence, Hermione sticking close to Lucifer, walking a little behind him, at his words. Just in case something attacked them, he would take the blast for her.

What's even more reassuring, was that he finally gained his marbles back, and did not seem to be running away, to find his lost friends or something like that.

"Bloody fool. My father will hear about this," Malfoy muttered, clutching onto his wand and pointing it forward. "Fat oaf giving me orders... what does he think he is? Human?"

"Probably half?" Lucifer wondered out loud, after hearing Malfoy's question, besides he didn't want to lose the bet with Hermione.

"Half-human....." Malfoy was now lost in thought.

"..." Hermione. 'Why are these two behaving in such a civil manner?'

'Did he make a new friend?' This bushy-haired girl, is now really thinking about cursing Malfoy, and blaming it on a wild animal.

It was Lucifer, who opened his mouth again, even though Hermione was fuming inside, "You know, during Christmas, I read a lot of books inside the library, and found an interesting fact...."

"Fact?" Hermione spoke up in a slightly raised voice, before this ferret could, and initiated a conversation with him.

"Yeah, most Pure-bloods are actually created through incest...I was really sho-

"My parents are not siblings!"

"Huh? but what about your grandparents... or their parents? I'm sure if you go back far enough, your family tree is just a straight line."

"Lucifer, there's more of it over there..." But Hermione, then pointed a shaking finger to the darkened path ahead, not even giving a chance to Malfoy to defend himself.

Only, there was sticky, silver unicorn blood all over the path and branches that stuck out nearby. That's why, Lucifer stopped, causing Hermione to bump into his back. He was staring off into the distance through the jumble of trees.

"What? What is it?!" Hermione started to freak out.

"It's nothing." Lucifer dismissed her.

But it wasn't nothing, he felt a cold, sharp pain trying to hit his forehead, probably a method for reading his thoughts, and saw a dark shadow whip around a tree trunk.

They kept on moving but, Lucifer had the feeling they were being watched.

"I'm going to turn back in a minute," It was Malfoy who spoke up, trying his best to run away, without damaging his image too much, "Even if we find the damned thing. It's already dead in my books. Why waste time risking our own necks trying to find a mutilated corpse?"

"How nice of you, Draco," Lucifer said sweetly. "Oh, and please say 'Hello' to the Werewolf on the way out... alone."

"....." Hermione, who just heard Lucifer calling Malfoy, by his name. It really wasn't a good thing in her opinion, and she immediately wrote this blonde-haired ferret's name in her Little book.

"Fine, I'll stay here if you're really that scared, Morningstar."

""Who? Me? Scared? You're just being delusional!"

"I am not crazy?!"

"You must be seeing your own reflection in the puddle of piss, that you're leaving on the ground, right?"

"What was that!?" Draco screeched as a twig snap could be heard from beyond the visible tree line. "Don't lie to me, Morningstar, I know you heard that too."

"I heard it..." Hermione said shyly, moving herself closer to Lucifer, who also whispered quietly, "Yeah, me too... Keep your voice low, we don't know what it is."

"It might be Hagrid," Hermione offered, trying to feel relieved.

"I don't have much hope"

"....." Hermione's mood started to become very complex.

"What else lives in these woods? Granger, you should know, you're the bookworm of Hogwarts, right?"

Hermione was slightly shocked that he hadn't referred to her under a cruel name like Harry or Ron, 'Is it because, he wants to create a good impression in front of Lucifer?'

For the first time, she thought, it would be much better, if Malfoy had chosen to use some rude words instead.

'Create a good impression....I can do that, too right?' ~hehe~

"There are Centaurs for one, which are half human, half horse hybrids. Their choice of weapon is a bow and arrow, but can also kill with a powerful kick with their hooves if necessary," Hermione started to open her mouth in a rapid manner, as if reading from a textbook, "Hippogriffs, which have razor-like claws which can easily cut through skin. Unicorns, they don't like men very much, so you two should stay bac-

"Now I'm happy, at least I know the name of what I'm being mauled by now!" Draco was really horrified.

Hermione, was really angry now, why did he have to interrupt her, in the middle of her speech, she was obviously trying to look cool, "Then, it's your mistake, for not bringing a change of clothing!" she spat in a venom-like manner.

Only, there was now a loud howl in the distance.

"I thought you said that it wasn't a full moon tonight!" Hermione, ignored the blonde's expression full of shock, and whispered to Lucifer instead.

"It's not... must be regular wolves or something... but I advise you to not let your guard down, like the prev-"

"Hey! Why are you bringing that up, now?!" Hermione groaned loudly, after being forced to remember, how she was disciplined by Professor McGonagall, and got hundred points deducted in one fell swoop!

"So, what you're saying is there's a possibility of actual Werewolves, being here with us right now?!" Draco asked, his wand hand shaking with the light at the end sizzling out.

"Shut up, Don't talk to Lucifer!" Hermione scolded him, with an angry look on her face, very irritated from being cut-off every single time. 'Why is he still talking? Didn't he obviously want to run away, just moments ago?!'

"....." Draco, who just realised, a wand was being pointed at his throat.

"This is your last warning..... don't talk with him..." Hermione's face looked scary, and her wand also started to glow lightly, "Aaah!" causing the boy to let out a painful scream. 'When did Granger come here all of a sudden?!'

"Hermione, stop!" Lucifer, who was busy looking around the forest, also noticed what was going on, immediately ran towards them, to pull the girl away from the blonde.

"I don't think, Dinosaurs are here today, so the quicker we get this done, the sooner we can leave.... That much we can agree on."

"M-Morningstar's right," Draco said, while shaking in his place, and then rubbed his neck lightly, it seemed like, that small glow really hurt.

"What's that, Malfoy? You actually have brains underneath that skull of yours?" But Hermione didn't seem to listen, and ridiculed him even further.

"Granger..." Lucifer warned.

"Sorry, but I won't listen!"

"J-just let m-

"No, I want to know, why are you being so nice towards Lucifer?!" Hermione, seems to be going out of control, her loud yelling, is only going to attract more dangerous creatures.

That's why, Lucifer didn't have any choice left, but to use brute force, to stop Hermione, from attacking Malfoy any further, he grabbed her waist from behind, and spun the girl around in his arms, to move further, "Lucifer let me go, this bastard has no right to even peek at you!"

"Hermione, we're in forbidden forest right now, please be quiet!"

"I swear, Malf-!" she spat, while lashing both her arms, and legs violently, trying to escape Lucifer's grip, but only got disappointed, when he covered her mouth too.

"..." Draco, who didn't know what just happened, "At least, you didn't touch my robes!" this boy finally, gained his composure back, and rubbed his neck even more, where Hermione's wand had just been.

Talking about that bushy-haired girl, she bit Lucifer's palm tightly, which caused him to leave her mouth open, "You'll pay for that!"

Then, Draco was sent flying as Hermione sent a knock back jinx straight at his chest, "Hermione, stop this idiotic behaviour!"

"But, Malfoy started it!' She tried to argue, only for Lucifer to snatch her wand away, "Hey, give it back!"

"No, you are clearly not being rational...."

After coughing a bit, Draco also looked ready to charge at Granger, and fight back, with a jinx of his own.

"Locomotor Mortis!" Only, Hermione casted before her enemy could, locking Draco's legs together and pushing him off of himself.

"The fuck?!" Lucifer tried, but it had no effect on these squabbling children, "Hermione, did you just steal my wand?!"

"It was only self-defense, you must believe me!" Hermione tried her best to look innocent, and stared at Lucifer's face with a pitiful expression.

A jinxed Draco tried to crawl towards them, murder written all over his face. "Call truce. Now!"

"Why?" Hermione cried in a loud voice, feeling very injustice, she didn't do anything wrong, right?

"I won't repeat myself"

"Y-yes Daddy....."

Then Lucifer finally let the girl down, who albeit very reluctantly held her hand out to Draco, who currently had bubbles forming at the corners of his mouth.

He slapped away Hermione's hand, which only caused her to reach for his neckline, but stopped when there was another howl, closer this time.

"Truce! Truce, let me up!" Draco pleaded.

"Now, now Malfoy. What's the magic word?" This made Hermione's lips curl upwards slightly, and muttered in a sweet voice.

"Finite Incantatem!" Lucifer's counter jinx came from beside Hermione, unlocking Malfoy's legs.

"You're no fun..." This causes the bushy-haired girl to mope.

But, a smile soon returned to her face as she watched Malfoy guide them as fast as he could away from the howling sounds.

......

-----Hermione Granger woke up in cold sweat, muttering very intelligible words, she almost screamed like a little girl.

xxxxxxx

From next day on, Hermione Granger began working harder than ever, answering every single question in class, trying desperately to earn back House Points 'for' Gryffindor.

Except for Snape, Professors Flitwick and Sprout seemed to take pity on Gryffindor's situation. They started calling on Hermione more frequently, giving her every opportunity to win back a little face--and maybe, just maybe, save the House from finishing dead last.

Lucifer was losing it. He never imagined that his own clever little plan would boomerang right back into his chest.

Not only his 'farming' stock of points were gone, the more points Hermione earned, the fewer 'he' did. His carefully balanced academic standing began to crumble under the pressure.

Teachers seemed to pity the girl more than him... This was gender biased to world's open eyes! A once proud prodigy--brought low by a fool named Harry Potter.

All points given by Quirrell gone.

----Was Harry Potter destined to be the nemesis of every Dark Wizard in his birth timeline? For a moment, Lucifer wanted to poke his head into the "Infinite-Multiverse", and see if there were other Harry Potter's being Savior.

xxxxxx

Another night, as silence settled over the castle and Lucifer laid in bed, deep in thought, he was mulling over how to claw back more 'House Points.'

Suddenly, a burning sensation flared across the back of his hand. A unicorn symbol shimmered into view.

The unicorn was in danger!

Without hesitation, Lucifer snatched up his wand and sprinted for the common room. With magic enhancing his speed, he raced like the wind--straight toward the 'Forbidden Forest...!'

"I have to develop a 'flight' spell."

As he sprinted through the Forbidden Forest, Lucifer urgently assigned this task to the old man inside his Dimension Space. Forget whether it could surpass the combined effects of the 'Fleetfoot' and 'Featherlight Charms' in speed---just the elegance alone would be worth it.

Right now, with the sheer force of wind pressing against him, Lucifer's posture had degenerated into a full-on ninja run, like something out of 'Naruto'. His path sent birds fleeing from treetops, and several timid magical creatures bolted in panic, abandoning their territories as he zipped past.

Inside the pocket, Grindelwald was forcibly summoned from Nurmengard, and startled awake from slumber.

He watched the rapidly shifting forest scenery through Lucifer's vision and couldn't help but frown in confusion.

"What's going on? What's the emergency?" He asked, voice still groggy.

"My unicorn's being hunted. I'm going to save her. Running there like this is a joke---figure out a flight spell for me, ASAP." Lucifer replied mid-sprint, breath calm but tone sharp.

He didn't need to guess. The culprit had to be Quirrell. That wizard was so suspicious enough to want Philosopher's stone, for immortality, let alone Unicorn----Alone, Quirrell wasn't a threat. But with a 'leech' hitching a ride on his skull? Whole different story.

---Deal with Wizards, make use of other Wizard's.' That was the proper way to handle this.

Grindelwald clicked his tongue, "Why not just learn Apparition? Why don't grow your wings back? What do you need a 'flight spell' for? Style over substance, really."

"You could even manipulate air using Transfiguration," he added. "Turn it into solid blocks beneath your feet-hover that way."

"Heh."

Lucifer let out a cold laugh. "If you can't do it, just admit it. No wonder the history books call you a 'Dark Wizard' and 'him' the Dark Lord. Seems accurate."

Grindelwald shrugged off the jab--he was immune to this level of verbal sparring. Barely worth a deflection.

But then Lucifer landed a real blow:

"After all, the Headmaster handled you by sending Newt Scamander. But to deal with Voldemort? He's spent half 'his' life and... if Harry is right about him not really dead, the old man is still wracking his brains."

"You think I'm inferior to him?!"

Grindelwald exploded. He could accept someone being 'stronger'---but Dumbledore caring more about someone else than him? Absolutely not.

"No one understands Dark Magic like I do! When I ruled across Europe, that nobody Voldemort wasn't even on the map!"

"Then quit yapping and start crafting that flight spell. Make me eat my words."

That shut Grindelwald up. Despite knowing this was Lucifer's obvious provocation, he couldn't ignore the truth buried in it. His competitive streak flared---he would show that glorified wraith who the real master of dark arts was.

Meanwhile, Lucifer kept up his furious pace, laughing inwardly as the old wizard took the bait.

The unicorn's icon on his hand was shifting directions constantly, and he followed it like a hawk. He could feel their distance closing---he was gaining ground. In the distance, he began to hear faint, desperate cries.

He vaulted over a thicket of birch trees-and finally saw it.

A black blur, serpent-like, slithered rapidly across the forest floor. The unicorn galloped ahead, panicked and bleeding, silver blood staining her coat. The black blur emitted ghostly pulses of light--several had already struck the unicorn, leaving cruel gashes.

Lucifer's gaze sharpened. He raised his wand and fired a Blasting Curse, perfectly predicting the blur's path.

BOOM!

Earth and stone erupted, leaving a gaping crater. The blur was forced to halt. A hooded figure rose from the bushes, voice hoarse and low.

"Meddling little brat-"

"You brain-dead scum," Lucifer cut him off coldly. "Touch my unicorn again, and die."

He stepped between the figure and the Unicorn, who had finally collapsed under an old tree, panting heavily--- Sweat and silver blood mingled and trickled down her hide in haunting rivulets.

"Mmmmn..."

She let out a pitiful whimper. Lucifer could feel her grief---but now wasn't the time for affection. His eyes never left the attacker.

'ZING-!'

A curse flew at him with no warning---silent and swift.

It struck his Protego Diabolica and ricocheted, smashing through a nearby tree. Quirrell was panicking. He hadn't expected Lucifer to show up this fast. And with the noise building up, he'd wanted to flee.

But Voldemort hissed in his ear:

"Kill the boy. Now."

A Killing Curse? Already? That wasn't first-year level anymore. That was war.

"Avada Kedavra!"

A streak of sickly green light surged from Quirrell's wand. Lucifer's shield spell stop it---no 'Wizardry' shield could? There were only two ways to block a Killing Curse:

Another equally strong spell to cancel its power. Or A living, magical creature with enough sentience to interrupt the death magic.

That was one of the reasons Voldemort feared Dumbledore. The man could conjure 'entire legions' of sentient Transfigurations to absorb even the deadliest spells.

But Lucifer? He didn't dodge. He didn't flinch. His devil eyes gleamed "blood red" when he lost some of his emotional control, getting intensely angry, intentionally wanting to terrify a mortal---as he launched a crimson beam directly at the incoming death curse------! Fiery red---

Magic collided mid-air with a shattering crack-red against green-like lightning striking fire. The energy crackled exploded, and bathed the woods in electric white light.

Demiurge's Might! A wave of pressure rolled out from Lucifer's body-'the aura of a higher being.'

It slammed into Quirrell's mind like a thunderclap. A ghostly demon's roar echoed inside his skull. His muscles locked up. His grip loosened.

Lucifer's spell surged forward, obliterating the Killing Curse. Quirrell regained his senses just in time to roll out of the way, instinctively sketching spell circles in the air.

A massive, thirty-foot serpent erupted from the earth, maw wide open, lunging toward Lucifer with monstrous speed.

'CRACK-!'

A thick, wooden arm burst from the base of a tree, seizing the snake by its throat. Then the entire tree ripped itself from the earth, branches whipping, roots 'flailing-joining' the battle against the summoned beast.

Wood splinters flew. Blood sprayed. Forest shook.

Lucifer slashed his wand.

'Mortality Slash!'

One of his weakest but good signature spell-'silent and deadly-sliced' through the air. Quirrell didn't even see it coming. A sharp scream ripped from his throat as the invisible blade found its mark.

He wasn't weak-not at all. Among adult wizards, he was elite. Once a top Ravenclaw graduate, Quirrell had learned plenty under Voldemort's tutelage this past year. The bumbling, stuttering persona he wore in class? Nothing but a mask.

This---was his 'true face!'

But Lucifer had completely caught Quirrell off guard. The man hadn't taken him seriously at first, and by the time he realized his mistake, he had no chance left to fight back.

The hooded figure lay sprawled on the ground, motionless-like a corpse. Lucifer didn't hesitate. ---With a flick of his wand, several invisible blades sliced through the air, cutting the massive serpent into chunks.

Then he pointed his wand at Quirrell.

"Reducto Maxima."

"Fool!" The curse shot forward like lightning, but Quirrell moved. With a strange, serpentine twist of his body, he slithered away from the spell and then suddenly 'snapped' upright.

Lucifer's expression hardened.

This was Quirrell... but the one in control now was most certainly leech behind his turban! A chilling bloodlust began to permeate the forest. Despite warmth of early spring, with the air nearing twenty degrees, frost began to form on the bushes and treetops.

"Die, boy!"

A beam of pitch-black light erupted from Quirrell's wand, surging toward Lucifer with terrifying force.

The killing intent locked onto him completely---Lucifer could feel it in his bones. A deep, primal intuition told him: 'No matter how I dodge, I'll be hit.'

"Then come at me, haha," Lucifer didn't hesitate. Without flinching, he activated Transcendent Mode--giving "Hell's essense" direct access to his body.

In that brief moment-eyes closing, then reopening---Lucifer's entire presence shifted. His aura transformed completely. Without even raising his wand, a radiant white light burst forth from his left hand.

The black beam slammed into it----

'BOOM!'

The forest lit up like day. Fire exploded into the air. Shockwaves blasted outward, shaking trees and earth. The sheer pressure rumbled through the woods with deafening force----Beneath his hood, Voldemort's eyes widened in disbelief. 'What in Salazar's name-?!'

He'd just swapped into direct control of Quirrell's body, and suddenly Lucifer had transformed too? What the hell was this kid?

Elsewhere in the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid was leading his boarhound Fang and two terrified first-years, Harry and Ron---as they served their detention.

With Hagrid's enormous frame forging a safe path ahead, the two boys felt considerably more secure following behind.

"Look over there." Hagrid suddenly stopped and pointed to the right. "See that silvery stuff on the ground? That's unicorn blood. One of the unicorns in the forest's been injured. Even worse, last week, I found one dead...."

"Merlin's beard..." Harry muttered gravely, "What kind of sick creature would attack unicorns? We've got to find the poor thing before it suffers any longer."

"Wait..." Ron's voice trembled. "If whatever hurt the unicorn finds us first... won't that be dangerous?"

"So long as you stay with me and Fang, no creature in this forest'll dare touch you," Hagrid reassured them as he pressed forward.

Just then----

'BOOOOM!!!'

A massive explosion tore through the forest. Even from far away, the shockwave rippled toward them, shaking the trees. Some of the thinner trunks even bent under the pressure.

"What was that?!" Hagrid's face paled as he broke into a run toward the source of the blast. Harry and Ron sprinted after him-and behind them came thunderous hoofbeats.

Dark silhouettes surged through the trees -centaurs.

"Hagrid!!" Ron's voice cracked in fear.

"Centaurs! Don't worry-they won't hurt you!" Hagrid shouted back without slowing down.

The rumbling didn't stop-explosions, gusts of heat, and magical shockwaves rolled through the forest like storms. When they finally burst through a row of ancient trees, the sight that met them made them freeze on the spot, mouths falling open.

"Lucifer?!"

All three shouted in unison.

They saw Lucifer facing off against a hooded man. But what truly stunned them was the battlefield itself---?!

The ground looked as if it had been struck by a meteor--lower than the surrounding forest, completely cratered and uneven. Everything ahead had been 'scorched and destroyed'. The ancient trees behind them were the only things left standing. The forest in front of them had simply ceased to exist.

The charred scent of burning earth filled the air. Even just looking at the aftermath made it clear---this was no ordinary duel. The level of destruction spoke of terrifying, nearly godlike power.

Lucifer heard Harry's cry---but didn't so much as glance back. He had already entered Transcendent Mode, mind and body fully focused on the battle between Quirrell and himself.

This was real combat---against an opponent worthy of his 'one percent.'

Lucifer's battle spirit, dormant for eons, roared back to life. Blinding white light burst from his wand, illuminating the forest like a second sun had descended.---The glowing aura surged toward his body, enveloping him 'fully!~'

Then---like a human cannonball, Lucifer launched himself at Quirrell, fist raised high, glowing with radiant power-----

Voldemort tried to maneuver Quirrell's body to dodge. The unicorn blood he'd consumed the week prior was nearly spent---and he was beginning to panic. 'How was Morningstar this powerful?'

It felt like he wasn't even fighting a student anymore... but a wizard on Voldemort's own level. He managed to twist half his body to the side-barely dodging.

But at that moment, Lucifer roared---

"Petrificus Totalus!"

His wand didn't move. No incantation echoed. But the spell hit anyway. Quirrell's entire body froze mid-motion. His eyes widened in 'horror' as Lucifer's glowing fist-blazing like a falling star-slammed straight into his chest!

'CRACK-!'

His ribcage caved in visibly, and he was launched through the air like he'd been hit by a train. Trees snapped as his body plowed through them, and his scream echoed across the forest like a tortured banshee.

When he finally slammed into the ground, Harry caught sight of something horrifying---under the light radiating from Lucifer, the hooded man's body melted into a shadow, slithering around the base of a tree like a snake, and vanished into the darkness.

"...Was that thing made of slime?" Lucifer muttered in surprise, "How is he still moving after that hit?"

"Black magic modification," Grindelwald answered, having watched the whole battle in silence, "His body's been altered to absorb and nullify most physical damage. But your punch-fueled by magic---still invaded his internal system...So, it's like a pure form of Patronus, which can be used like that too? Seems we need a serious discussion about this spell..."

Lucifer ended Transcendent Mode, his "eyes" inside Pocket dimension, immediately turned to Grindelwald, suspicious.

"You? A Dark Wizard? What's the point of talking about Patronuses with you? Can you even cast one?"

"...." Grindelwald. 'Bloody hell. Why did the Devil have to be this bluntly truthful?'

A wand appeared in his hand, likely his 'Original wand, materialised cause of Lucifer's magic'. And as it materialized, his appearance began to shift. The aged, weary face reversed its decay, smoothing into one of youthful arrogance--- The wild white hair shrank into messy short strands.

Only his piercing heterochromatic eyes remained unchanged -mystical, compelling. This... this was the Gellert Grindelwald. 'The First Dark Lord' who once made the entire magical world tremble.

All traces of decay vanished. He twirled his wand, and spoke with fire in his tone, "With magic at your command, the rest of the world will come to you like a tidal wave. Remember this, Devil: 'Magic is might.' I'll make you see the 'true allure' of the Dark Arts," Grindelwald said with arrogance befitting a man who once terrified the entire wizarding world.

Back in the forest, Lucifer remained still, not because of exhaustion--but because Transcendent Mode hadn't fully worn off yet. He was doing his best to retain the insights he'd gained from that battle---to commit every detail to memory for future refinement.

Only when he fully returned to his normal state did he finally turn around. Behind him stood three shell-shocked students and one trembling dog. Hagrid raised a massive hand in horror.

"Y-you... don't come any closer, alright?!"

Lucifer froze for a moment. In that split second of daze, he thought he saw... two enormous nostrils? Not letting him pass?

Fine---then he just wouldn't pass. Without hesitation, he leapt over a few people and landed right beside the injured unicorn.

The great unicorn, having rested a short while, had regained some strength, yet it still looked weak and listless. Its wounds showed no sign of healing.

These were injuries wrought by Dark magic--if not treated quickly, the creature would bleed to death.

In this kind of situation... it was time for Aura Bella to step in. With just a single glance, she had already pinpointed the corresponding counter-curse. Carrying an "old grandpa" around was already basically cheating in Wizarding World---but what if you carried a whole bunch of Hell's forces?

Let's just say--if it's not turned off, it's definitely turned on!

Under Aura's instructions, Lucifer cast the counter-curse, dispelling the Dark magic's curse effect. Enochian was used by all angels. Angel's memory and directives were hardwired into their brain through 'Enochian.'

However, it also has been used by a few other creatures as well. Lilith, the first demon, was the only being in hell, who could speak in Enochian.

But, Lucifer actually taught, both of high-tier demons - 'Alastair' and 'Crowley' - the ability to use Enochian sigils as well. This language was akin to a high-frequency noise that could shatter glass, destroy human auditory senses, or, in extreme cases and prolonged exposure, kill humans.

So, he had to be careful not to speak, but to think. ---The black miasma clinging to the wounds dispersed. Only then did Lucifer take out the healing salve he had made from dittany and begin applying it to the unicorn, muttering all the while:

"I told you, didn't I? This world is dangerous... What would you do without me, hmm? Luckily, I left a mark on you last time---otherwise you'd have 'ended' up like that other poor unicorn."

"Woo~ wo0~"

This time, the Unicorn's pride was gone. The bond they'd built earlier finally showed its worth. In Lucifer's mind, the palace of light flared brilliantly---success was just one step away.

While he worked on the unicorn's wounds, Hagrid and others stood watching. In the end, it was Harry, with his quicker ability to accept the strange, who spoke first, "L-Lucifer, what's going on here exactly?"

Lucifer shrugged. "Didn't you see? Someone attacked my unicorn. I chased them off. That's all."

"Your' unicorn?" Hagrid blurted. "This is one of the Forbidden Forest's unicorns."

"Tell me--are you 'mine' or not?" Lucifer asked. The unicorn, however, neither agreed nor disagreed---just gazed at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"See? She didn't deny it," Lucifer said with a smile to the three of them, his hand subtly pressing a little harder.

"Who was that fell'a?" Hagrid decided to let the Unicorn claim go---if he kept pressing, he feared he might end up with a black eye. Better to change the subject.

"No idea for sure. Its hoods was enchanted." Lucifer suddenly lifted his head, eyes locking on the darkness, "Lurking around... you planning a sneak attack?"

"No, we mean no harm to 'the Harbinger of Destruction' and Hagrid's friends..."

Three centaurs emerged from the shadows, wisely lowering their bows. Hagrid called out to the lead centaur in his language, then turned to Harry and Ron.

"They're centaurs--inhabitants of the Forbidden Forest. Lucifer, they don't attack young wizards."

"Wouldn't be so sure of that," Lucifer smirked, and the centaurs' expressions darkened, though thankfully, the night hid it well.

"I merely saw Mars shining unusually bright," the lead centaur, Firenze, explained.

"Not my problem. Just don't mess with me."

Hagrid glanced between the two sides, sensing an undercurrent he couldn't quite name. But when he saw Lucifer about to leave with the unicorn, Hagrid quickly stopped him.

"Lucifer, you can't'oo just et. There's a dangzrous intruder in the Forest---we need to report to 'Dumbledore."

"But I still have to take her to find her daughter," Lucifer stroked the unicorn's silky mane.

"Leave that to me," Firenze offered. "I know her family well. We centaurs will take care of her treatment."

Lucifer hesitated briefly... and 'refused.' He needed the little one to know exactly who had saved her mother. No one 'dared' oppose him. They could only follow obediently as he 'led' the way to the young unicorn and another adult unicorn.

Upon seeing her injured mother, the little one bolted forward in a panic, circling anxiously. The mother unicorn rubbed her daughter gently with her head--- The touching scene eased even the frayed nerves of Harry and Ron, who had been rattled earlier.

Finally, after hugging the young unicorn, Lucifer led the others away.

Yes-'led'. The three cowards only dared to walk behind him. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the entrance to the Headmaster's office.

The gargoyle sprang to life, eyeing them suspiciously. "Well, well, the little Gryffindor' brat. What brings you here so late?"

"It wasn't my idea," Lucifer said, pointing at Hagrid. "He insisted I come."

"Fine then." The gargoyle hopped aside, revealing the staircase.

Hagrid, baffled, asked, "Don't we need a password?"

"You do. This kid doesn't," Gargoyle yawned lazily, then ignored him. Inside the office, the room was empty. Lucifer unceremoniously claimed a single-seat sofa, his relaxed posture a stark contrast to Hagrid and the others, who stood stiffly.

Before long, footsteps sounded from upstairs. Dumbledore emerged in pajamas, eyes heavy with sleep.

"Please, spare an old man's 'hard-earned' rest, my friends. Coming to see me this late-did you decide your House has too many points?"

"Professor, you've got some eye gunk," Lucifer pointed out.

"Thank you, Mr Morningstar," Dumbledore replied, rubbing his eye, "But even so, I'm afraid I won't be reducing your punishment."

"Dumbledore, sorry to disturb you so late, but just now---" Hagrid quickly summarized the events.

Dumbledore's expression turned grave. "A hooded man... a dead unicorn... Hagrid, you should have told me sooner. That is a very dark magic indeed. Unicorns are pure and sacred. Drinking their blood can heal-but it brings a terrible curse. A fate 'worse than death'... though some may not feel that way."

"Sorry, Professor." Hagrid's face burned with guilt. As a school dropout, he had never learned such advanced matters.

Dumbledore's piercing blue gaze shifted to Lucifer, "Mr. Morningstar, would you care to tell me what happened from 'your' perspective?"

Lucifer didn't refuse. Instead, he spoke with ease, "Lately I've been feeling a 'little lonely', so I decided to follow the advice you gave me before the term started---'pets can cure this disease."

"So you set your sights on a unicorn?" Dumbledore's lips twitched, and the others' eyelids spasmed wildly, this was when he allowed the boy to bring both of his magical pets, knowing his Merlin's identity, and learning abandoned parents'past. 'Even if Unicorns weren't particularly aggressive, they were still highly magical creatures... No matter how you looked at it, they were not suitable pets!'

"You're truly perceptive, Professor."

"Please, the main point," Dumbledore reminded him with a trace of exasperation.

"Alright, the 'main' point is... I was worried my pet might be harmed by other magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest, so I placed a trigger-warning charm on them. Tonight, I'd just laid down in bed and was about to sleep when the charm went off. I rushed over and saw a hooded figure trying to kill my horse."

"And then... we fought."

When Lucifer suddenly fell silent, Dumbledore gave him a curious look, "Please continue, Mr. Morningstar."

Lucifer shrugged helplessly, with a blank innocent 'pitiful' look, "That's all, Professor."

"The details of the fight, Mr. Morningstar?" Dumbledore rubbed his temples, now fully awake. Exhausting---'truly exhausting.'

Lucifer then gave a quick, simplified account of the battle.

He knocked the hooded man to the ground, the hooded man went into a frenzy, Lucifer went into a frenzy, and then... the 'hoodedman' lost.

Light flickered in Dumbledore's eyes. "Mr. Morningstar, you're certain his strength changed that drastically?"

"Absolutely certain," Lucifer said solemnly, "Before, it felt like I was facing an ordinary wizard--I could handle him however I wanted. But afterwards... he tried to become the messenger of Death itself."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, murmuring something so softly it was almost inaudible, "Truly bold..."

And here, "praise" did not mean for the boy sitting in front of him.

"And you three--- anything to add?" Dumbledore then looked at Harry and the others, with a gaze of old grandpa, who you should confide everything.

"Like a snake, Professor," Harry said, shuddering at the memory of the eerie scene, "When he escaped, he slithered away like a snake as if all the bones in his body had vanished."

"Very useful information." Dumbledore nodded. "You've all been through enough tonight. I imagine you need rest. Off to bed now."

"You too, Professor!" Hagrid said to Dumbledore, waving for Harry and Ron to follow him.

"Wait a moment, Mr. Morningstar."

Lucifer was just about to step outside when Dumbledore, already halfway up the stairs, suddenly called out, "I recall saying at the Opening Feast that students are not permitted in the Forbidden Forest... Quite clearly, you've violated multiple school rules tonight."

"Professor, it was an emergency," Lucifer sighed. "My pet was in 'danger'--surely you can understand?"

Dumbledore smiled and nodded, "Of course I understand. But the Headmaster's position does not. Therefore... Slytherin loses fifty points. Gryffindor' gains thirty points. Good night, Mr. Morningstar."

With that, Dumbledore hummed a jaunty tune and disappeared into his bedroom. Lucifer spat toward the door before leaving. 'Pah! Old bumblebee!'

Clearly, he just couldn't stand seeing Slytherin ahead by such a wide margin. Even if he awarded points to Gryffindor, they wouldn't catch up so he had to invent some excuse.

---This literally confirmed, he was part of two houses. At least he earned points for Gryffindor' where he currently sleeps, but even that felt like a manipulation. 'Let's see who wins in the end, old man.'

He would make Dumbledore stop meddling with house points, he earned or lost.

xxxxxxx

Lucifer ignored Hermione's dumbfounded expression, and continued yellings, there were other important things to focus on, than making this girl with such a high emotional turmoil to calm down, he directly took a step towards an armchair.

She was so sleepy she even had to strain her neck, for looking up at this best friend's face.

"The one with the Red Eyes, you don't belong here, it said to me," Harry explained what the Centaurs told him.

Hermione was really confused by all of this, why were students even serving Detention in the Forbidden Forest, it was dangerous, and even worse 'forbidden!' For good reasons! Did Professor McGonagall lose it?

"Lucifer doesn't belong here, what kind of nonsense is this?!" her focus was more on this area, rather than the lightning strikes she heard, which had just occurred, from nowhere.

"If you have not been told, then I cannot say, it said," Harry's heavy mimicry voice only frustrated Hermione more, "I did ask it's name, it was Firenze."

"No, what do I do with learning the name of a Centaur? Can you please answer my question instead, Harry?!"

When Lucifer realised, this conversation was not going anywhere, he finally decided to break his oath of silence, "I have an idea..." he looked at Harry dead in the eye, only thing he felt that could give off that feeling was someone, who was supposed to be dead, "that was Voldemort, wasn't it? He didn't die like so many believe?"

"Only a man with nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would slay such a creature. That's why 'he' probably did it," Harry already understood, at least a little bit, "Voldemort is after the Philosopher's Stone... not Snape... well he is, but not for himself..."

"Don't bloody say the name! It gives me the chills after tonight!"

"But, but...he's supposed to be dead."

"Hermione, it's not the right time to argue...." Lucifer said, while crossing his legs, and he waved his palm, and a blanket dropped over Hermione's dumbstruck pajama-clad figure.

"So, Firenze, right?... What did he mean? Lucifer is the Harbinger of Destruction?" Hermione asked very politely, after she slowed down her questions a bit, her eyes darting between both Lucifer and him, with slightly nervous eyes.

"It's just like Harry said, never mind Bane." Lucifer didn't even hesitate to agree, with Potter, because he really didn't know what Hermione, would do, if she found out the truth.

To be honest, Lucifer was getting attached to this girl, and didn't want to scare her away.

Hermione on the other hand felt like she was just lied to. She felt a chill run down her spine, when he glanced in her direction, that way....

In Gryffindor Common Room, where Ron was now half asleep on one of the couches, waiting for it to end. He shouted something about Quidditch fouls when Harry roughly shook him awake.

In a matter of seconds, though, he was wide-eyed as, Ron did momentarily shift his posture a little bit. Harry couldn't sit down. He paced up and down in front of the fire, and started to tremble.

"Snape wants the stone for Voldemort... and Voldemort's waiting in the forest... and all this time we thought Snape just wanted to get rich..."

"Stop saying the name, I told you before!" Ron said in a terrified whisper, as if he thought Voldemort could hear them.

Lucifer, who was already feeling quite tired, didn't listen to their muttering, and fell asleep on the couch.

"It was Lucifer, who saved the Unicorn, Oh, he is asleep already. Then we were led to Dumbledore's office... Bane was furious, though... he was talking about interfering with, what the planets say is going to happen... They must know that Voldemort is coming back... I suppose that's written in the stars."

"Will you stop saying the name?!" Ron hissed, for the umpteenth time.

"So, we just have to wait for Snape to steal the Stone, then Voldemort will be able to come and finish us off... Well, I suppose Bane'll be happy."

Hermione looked very frightened, but she had a word of comfort.

"Harry, everyone says Dumbledore's the only one You-know-Who was ever afraid of with him around, You-Know-Who won't touch you. Anyway, who says the centaurs are right, It sounds like fortune-telling to me, and Professor McGonagall says that's a very imprecise branch of wooly magic," Hermione tried to reassure him, already forgotten what stupid things Bane, and Firenze were yelling about.

Even after, Lucifer tried his best to tune these children's voices out, by using a pillow, it was still too loud.

That's why, he turned to walk towards his dorm, but felt arms wrap around him, "Thank you Daddy, for saving that poor creature," Lucifer stiffened in her embrace.

It wasn't the first time that Hermione had embraced him, but every time she did, including the Platform 3/4 quarters, he felt the same as he did back then, just uncomfortable.

Lucifer wasn't used to this kind of contact, but he didn't have the heart to tell Hermione that. So, he tapped her arms, letting her know to let go, and she thankfully did.

Hermione, then bid him good night and he went to bed, trying not to think about, Centaurs muttering about him, being The Harbinger of Destruction.

Before he did, Harry spoke to him, "Lucifer? Are you okay? Did Dumbledore' say anything?"

"Yeah, fifty points to us, hundred from Slytherin cause of Sorting mess, and well I just had a run in with your big bad... Voldemort..."

"That might explain... when was that exactly?"

"About forty to fifty minutes ago, why?"

"That's when my scar started to ache with pain. Like there was a surge of power being released and I was feeling the pain from it..." Harry informed him, like he was still being hurt.

"Well, I did feel a powerful Dark Magic... coming from the thing, that attacked my horse you guys came in the middle, and interrupted my assault, so there is nothing else it could be," Lucifer agreed with Harry, that the two had to be connected, since Harry has the scar as a result of Voldemort.

"Alright, well, I'll talk to you in the morning," Harry said, going back to bed.

"Yeah, Good night, Potter," Lucifer also greeted him back, and rolled to his left side, falling asleep not long after.

xxxxxxx

'Flashback '

"You're sure it's safe to use my wand out here? Distance--wise, I'm not even that far from London---maybe as far as Hogwarts is from the capital. Won't the Trace still activate?"

Grindelwald gave a knowing smile.

"The Trace is 'Britain's' surveillance system. Once you're outside their borders, it doesn't work. No country likes foreign Ministries poking around in their territory. Trust me---'use your magic freely."

"And when your 'Confundus Charm' is good enough, you won't even need to worry about any of this."

Grindelwald had taught Lucifer a clever trick: use the 'Confundus Charm' on the 'Trace' itself, making it believe the wand's owner was already over seventeen--thus automatically lifting the restriction.

Unfortunately, at that point of time Lucifer's 'Confundus' still wasn't advanced enough to deceive magical law enforcement. So, for now, he had to rely on location and subtlety.

xxxxxx

The next morning, Slytherin students walking into Entrance Hall thought they were 'dreaming.'

They had been a hundred and ten points ahead of Ravenclaw the night before, but now... somehow, overnight, they'd lost fifty points and were ahead by only sixty?

"Stop staring like fools. Morningstar was caught wandering at night by the Headmaster. He took the 'points' according to Sortin' Hat's first house."

The little snakes turned to glare at the Gryffindor'table---but then realised who Snape was talking about, and instantly masked their faces, calming down their anger.

It was Lucifer. Oh, well, that was fine, just 'forget' about it.... Blame should be on the Headmaster, that old loon still kicking Slytherins down, by any 'chance he could..' this way, enemy's identity changed entirely.

"Just be more careful next time." Yorkshire Carrow, seventh year prefect, passed over the Great Hall in silence as if representing her house of Snakes, she gave an awkward grin, her own anger vanishing, "By the way, I know a few hidden paths into the Forbidden Forest. I'll draw you a 'map later', you'll never get caught."

She whispered directly into his ear, a tinge of pink on cheeks, Hermione's face scrunched, and she almost stepped on the older girl's foot.

Harry, sitting across from Lucifer, nearly dropped his jaw. Slytherin... 'was that' united, and forgiving, to a Muggle-born? What had Lucifer done to these snakes off-screen, 'when he wasn't looking?'

When he'd lost a hundred points for Gryffindor, he'd become public enemy number one. Even his Quidditch teammates refused to say his name, calling him only "the Seeker."

'But Lucifer? For enemy house? They were all so understanding?' For the first time in his life, Harry regretted not listening to the Sorting Hat's suggestion to join Slytherin. Apart from those few unpleasant types, the others seemed... 'actually pretty nice, he thought.'

Crossing, Lucifer's eyes went straight to the staff table. sure enough, Quirrell's seat was still empty.

---He stopped paying attention and, decided to eat breakfast with Hermione.

From the head table, Snape's cold gaze sliced toward Lucifer like a knife - but failed to pierce even the outermost layer of his composure.

Before he could make it to his first class, Snape blocked his way, "What exactly did you do?" He demanded.

"Night stroll in the Forbidden Forest."

"You? 'Caught?' Unless you wanted to be caught."

"Blame the hooded man. I already explained last night--if you want details, go ask Dumbledore."

Snape gave him a long, searching look, then really did go to find Dumbledore. Unfortunately, his timing was bad.

The Ministry had heard about the dragon incident, and a few officials were questioning Dumbledore.

At the moment, Dumbledore and Cornelius Fudge were in a honeymoon phase; Fudge treated him with 'great respect', and this inquiry was more a formality. Besides, the dragon had already been sent away nothing serious would come of it.

Only after they left did Snape finally step into the Headmaster's office.

"Severus, just in time," Dumbledore said, holding up a letter. "Quirell has resigned."

"What!"

Snape stared at him in shock, "Quirrell resigned?"

"That's right. I received his letter this morning." Dumbledore then explained what had happened the previous night.

"That man was definitely Quirrell," Snape said with certainty.

"Ah, we agree on that," Dumbledore nodded, "But he's already left--in the middle of the night."

"He'll come back." Snape paced the office, hand on his chin. "That man would never allow Quirrell to run away. I know 'his nature' this might just be to throw you off."

"Which means," Dumbledore said smoothly, "we should bring him back. Once he sees hope, he'll never just sit and wait."

After Transfiguration class, Lucifer, under the Disillusionment Charm, returned to the Forbidden Forest to check on the Unicorn. The results were encouraging--free from the taint of Dark magic, and with its own powerful vitality plus some herbal help, the wounds had begun to heal.

Only a faint scar remained, which would vanish entirely once the fur grew back. Lucifer's task was now down to the final step, and he wanted to strike while the iron was hot to complete the bonding today.

"Alright, I'll give you one last chance," Lucifer said gravely, taking the unicorn's head in both hands and turning it so it faced him.

"Follow 'me', and I, Lucifer Morningstar, the Ruler of Hell, will guarantee safety of you and 'your daughter'. But if you refuse today... next time you're in danger, I won't come to save you."

The Great unicorn gazed steadily at him, sensing the emotions behind his words. At last, she lowered her head, the sharp point of her horn extending toward the boy....

Lucifer grasped the unicorn's horn, something she had never allowed him to touch before. The Bonding... was complete.

He closed his eyes. The holy power flowed through the Unicorn's horn and into his body, seeping deep into his corrupted soul. It was as if his very spirit were receiving a full massage---so blissful that drowsiness pulled him under. Mark of Cain...

With the last vestige of willpower, he sent both Mazikeen' and Makima out to stand guard, granting them full authorization to act. Then, surrendering entirely, Lucifer fell into the deepest sleep of his life.

When he awoke, three hours had passed---He had missed lunch entirely, as well as the afternoon's 'History of Magic' class.

Beside him, the little unicorn was still curled up in peaceful slumber. Of the two large unicorns, the injured one knelt protectively beside Lucifer and the youngster, while the other patrolled nearby.

Stretching lazily, he rose to his feet, savoring the changes brought by the ascension of his soul. It was like washing away a lifetime of dust---finally recognizing himself anew. The world was still the same world, yet every detail seemed sharper, more vivid, more alive.

The two large unicorns came over as he stood, nuzzling his arms affectionately.

Once you've bonded with one unicorn, it seems the others lower their guard as well------or not, his keen eyes noticed another pair watching from a distance, the moment gazes matched, both fled in terror...

Sighing he ignored them, and easily reached out to touch the horn of the second unicorn, sealing a contract with her too. A new thread of magical empathy linked him to them both---he could now understand the meaning behind their 'calls and whinnies.'

"All right, all right," Lucifer said warmly, "from now on we're one family. I should give you names so I can tell you apart..."

The Unicorn's pure aura would now act as an eternal, agonizing pushback against the 'Mark's corruption'. This would create a perpetual war of energies, rendering the Mark unable to consume Lucifer completely, while trapping the entity in a constant state of agonizing magical stasis.

Unicorns were creatures of pure light and incorruptible magic. Now, bonded with the Devil, the Morningstar's radiant nature would cause a cataclysmic merging of angelic grace and 'Primordial purity.'

The bond had amplified Lucifer's celestial authority.

The Unicorn's magic, when shredding the physical world years later, would be elevated to a cosmic, omnipotent level, becoming a literal living extension of 'the Lightbringer.'

The most critical rule of Universe was 'Self-Actualisation'—angels and celestial beings physically change based on their subconscious feelings, guilt, and desires.

The "Mark of Cain" was not just a corrupting cosmic curse to Lucifer, but a mark of immortality given to Cain by Amenadiel on 'God's orders'

A unicorn represents absolute, unyielding divine protection. Bonding with on psychologically assured Lucifer of his safety.

[----This "Subconscious shift" would make his self-actualised vulnerability blossom, allowing him to love 'Hermione Granger' fully while remaining entirely invulnerable to bullets and blades, if he pleased subconsciously, vice versa]

Lucifer's primary power is his "Mojo," which forces humans to reveal their deepest, 'darkest desires.' Since, Unicorns were deeply tied to pure thoughts, dreams, and hidden truths...

The bond would supercharge this ability. Instead of just extracting base desires, Lucifer could now tap into a person's pure, unadulterated 'aspirations, hopes, and noble truths.'

He could effortlessly bypass the psychological walls of even the most stubborn criminals or 'celestial beings'.

Lucifer spent years cutting off his angel wings because he viewed them as a symbol of his father's manipulation, causing them to sometimes manifest as terrifying "Devil wings."

But now unknowingly, he would hesitate, and maybe one day, came to accept them as part of his own.

The bond would eventually allow Lucifer to 'self-actualise' pristine, re-emerge his radiant Celestial wings sooner rather than later, when he would need them the most.

Reflecting his own inner light, free of any subconscious resentment toward God, a certain day. He would achieve total control 'over his form'----

Lucifer was normally vulnerable to forged demonic weapons, such as Maze's 'karambits'. But Unicorn horns were legendary for neutralizing poisons, corruption, and dark magic.

The bond would coat him in a passive, purifying aura. Demonic steel would shatter upon contact with his skin, if he willed, stripping 'his hellish adversaries' of their only lethal advantage against him.

Walking into Hell with a literal mythical Unicorn would be the ultimate 'statussymbol.' It would solidify his reputation, utterly confuse Demonkind, and most importantly deeply annoy his brother 'Amenadiel.'

While stroking their silky manes, he thought for a moment, then announced decisively, "From now on, you're 'Max'... you're Max, and you're Leo. The little one will be 'Milo'. Done and settled."

Even unicorns could tell how perfunctory these names were, but Lucifer pretended not to hear their protesting neighs. No matter how they argued, he stubbornly 'refused' to change them. In the end, they had no choice but to accept their new names.

"Whinny-whinny~!"

Max, dissatisfied with her new name, suddenly made another request.

"You want... the white energy from yesterday--Mystical halo's light?" Lucifer asked in surprise, the meaning flashing clearly into his mind via their bond.

Max met his gaze with undeniable affirmation. The "Mystical Light" was, at its core, simply the manifestation of a fallen neutron star's energy. Even if consumed, it wouldn't cause harm---it could always be re-formed with 'will' and "emotion."

Lucifer released a small cluster of white energy, and immediately both Max and Leo eagerly crowded around. They inhaled silvery-white mist in small sips, their eyes half-lidded with delight.

A glimmer of understanding flashed through Lucifer's mind. '"Uncle Newt" as people called him you really are Uncle Newt. 'Every one of your suggestions is pure gold.'

He had thought Unicorns' approval was earned solely by his sincerity and the 'life--saving' help he'd given them---but now it seemed that yesterday's appearance of Mystical Light, a higher entity of, 'Patronus Charm' which Lucifer could never cast had been the real last straw to break the camel's back.

'So... if they feed on positive, uplifting energy, they can grow stronger?' Lucifer decided he'd share this discovery with Uncle Newt as thanks.

The white mist kept vanishing into their mouths, and Lucifer had to release it three times before the two gluttons were finally satisfied.

Seeing that the little one was still asleep, he moved to a nearby clearing to test benefits of his soul's elevation.

Aiming at a thick tree, he cast the 'BlackLightning Curse'. From the very start of casting, he noticed the difference. The process was almost too smooth---effortless. True, this was a spell he'd always found easy. but it had still required the usual discipline: 'focus, silent incantation, channeling of his own magic.'

Now, with a single thought, every step happened in an instant. After casting a few more spells in succession, Lucifer understood what had changed, his power level had reached a mark of two percent.

Not only that, it wasn't requirements for spellcasting had lowered---it was that his refined soul made meeting those 'requirements trivial.'

Concentration and emotional focus came to him naturally now, without deliberate effort. Gabriel had once explained: 'magic power, will, and emotion'--these were the three key factors that determined whether a "trick spell" succeeded and how powerful it was.

A fundamental strengthening of the soul directly enhanced the latter two.

Where other Celestials, without Unicorn's bond might need sixty or even eighty percent of their full attention to cast a spell, he could now do it with the barest flicker of thought. But what if he went all out?

Lucifer narrowed his eyes, his focus sharpening like a blade. A beam of red light shot forth like a deadly arrow, piercing straight through the nearest tree--- Its momentum didn't falter---it blasted through over a dozen thick trunks before finally dissipating.

The body and the soul complemented each other perfectly, and this improvement was no less significant than when he had fallen from grace---'perhaps greater still.'

Soul enhancement strengthened not just combat but comprehension as well. Recalling yesterday's battle, he suddenly grasped new insights that had eluded him before.

---Life's essence, Soul's essence, he could even feel like he could dead back to the 'Living World, not just waking up a zombie, but true ressurection.'

xxxxxxx

Of course, once he was back at the castle, the chatter of the young wizards drifted into his ears.

Quirrell had resigned!

The man who had tormented them for almost the entire school year had bolted in the final month, much to the delight of many. At last, no more enduring that indescribable stench.

Only Harry seemed troubled. He had always believed 'Quirrell' was resisting Snape's threats and intimidation, refusing to reveal the trap he himself had set up. 'Now that Quirrell was gone, did that mean he had failed?'

Harry started watching Snape even more intently, "accidentally" running into him dozens of times a day around the castle.

"Harry Potter! I don't know what you're loitering around the castle for! Is all that homework not enough to calm your restless little mind? Two points from Gryffindor! And if I see you again, I'll make it ten!"

When Lucifer came to find Snape, he walked right in on the scene of Snape exploding at Harry.

"Professor, I just left something in the classroom," Harry protested, trying desperately to claw back the lost points though at this point, his inability to see through Snape's true nature was almost impressive in its own way.

As if Snape would give him points back.

In the end, Harry slunk away in frustration, and Lucifer chuckled to himself. The whole thing was deliciously ironic--- both Harry, and he knew, 'James Potter's face' drifting around in front of Snape like a taunt, practically fighting on his doorstep.

That was Harry's way of retaliation, Hagrid told him, his father and Snape didn't exactly have a "good history."

As for Quirrell's resignation, it wasn't exactly outside Lucifer's expectations.

Did people really think his powered punch was something you could just... walk off? The only reason Quirrell hadn't died on the spot was probably thanks to 'Voldemort's mastery' of the Dark Arts.

Even now, Star's light--the purest counter to evil was surely still raging inside Quirrell's body, torturing him to the brink of madness.

If Quirrell had actually been able to show up for class today, Lucifer would have started wondering whether he had been 'pranked' by God, and his own siblings....

And if Goddess ever heard Lucifer questioning his birth like that, she'd probably march towards God in a fury, and engineer another chance for her 'favourite son' to "demonstrate in person" without knocking that human across the room, but going straight for the kill.

"Find something funny?" Snape's voice came without him even turning around.

"Isn't it funny?" Lucifer tilted his head in mock confusion, "I've never seen an idiot this big...."

Snape turned, his expression dark. Of course, he knew Harry suspected him of coveting the treasure hidden on the 'third-floor corridor', but his anger wasn't from being accused-- it was because Harry was just so stupid! 'With a brain like that, how was the boy ever supposed to survive being caught between Voldemort and Dumbledore's schemes?'

"You fall on your face enough times, you get smarter," Lucifer said, uninterested in discussing 'child-rearing philosophy'. He cut straight to the point, "Professor, I was curious.... Ironhide Potion, Berserker Potion, Agility Potion, why don't wizards use such versions of recipes?"

Snape eyed him suspiciously, "And what exactly do you want answer those for?"

"Just... a sudden interest," Lucifer replied with an easy smile, "They were in discarded material. If you have them, I'd like a few samples and the formulas for research..."

Snape frowned, clearly unable to figure out what the boy was up to. These potions temporarily enhanced physical abilities, but in the Wizarding world they were practically useless---they did nothing against magical attacks, and a single flash of green light could still kill you instantly.

"When I was younger and had too much free time, I did improve those useless potions," Snape said offhandedly, slipping in another display of superiority before narrowing his eyes, "But why should I give them to you? Just because you asked nicely?"

"I'll trade you the spell from last time," Lucifer countered immediately. That glowing sphere spell was Ellie's own creation, when she was just born---named "Omipha Charm" ---capable of both offense and defense, and not overly difficult to learn.

The real challenge lay in its control requirements and massive magical drain, but for Snape, those were hardly obstacles, Lucifer mused.

Lucifer, of course, wasn't about to make a loss on the deal. In exchange, he also requested a few of Snape's own original curses mostly small, nasty hexes, but useful in the right circumstances.

---Faced with such a 'tempting' offer, Snape couldn't refuse and agreed on the spot.

He didn't bother asking what Lucifer intended to do with the potions, not because he wasn't curious, but because he knew boy wouldn't tell him anyway, and there was no point in wasting breath.

---Lucifer of course needed every such thing in arsenal to make "Devil contracts" with individuals in need of such strength, good payment in return, already scripted with "Requester's blood."

xxxxxx

With Quirrell gone, 'Defence Against the Dark Arts' essentially became a self-study period.

The other professors had their own classes to teach; even if they managed to squeeze in the occasional substitute lesson, it wasn't enough to create a coherent curriculum. Quirrell had made such a mess of the subject this term that none of them even knew where to start patching it up.

In the end, the only option was to let students review freely. As for the final exam that no longer mattered. Dumbledore had already promised no one would fail.

A week later, Lucifer finished recording his data on feeding a Unicorn, with the Patronus Charm, cast by 'Aoyuki', one of the purest souls under his command, along with his modified "personal obsevations" on forming a magical contract with it, and sent the results off.

Thanks to their first exchange, Lucifer now bore the 'Scamander family's' unique magical seal---which meant he could send letters directly to Newt Scamander via Rowena, without having to trouble Dumbledore as an intermediary.

Not that he doubted old Dumbledore's integrity, but letters were private, and it was simply more comfortable sending them directly.

Keeping on good terms with Newt was worth the effort. With years nine ahead on his vacation, Lucifer was almost certain he'd need Newt's help again.

True to his word, Snape delivered the improved recipes and several bottles of potions he had brewed himself. Lucifer tried making two batches on his own, then drank his own potion and Snape's potion in separate tests sparring against 'Max and Leo' to compare effects, after shutting down his higher--being abilities completely.

The difference was about 'twenty percent'. Not bad. Snape truly was the potions master both Voldemort and Dumbledore valued so highly---

Lucifer was sure he had executed the process perfectly, yet the quality still fell short of Snape's work. Since Snape's potions were better, he'd just use those. No sense wasting time here not with final exams looming.

He would let the potion work to Ainz.

xxxxxx

A week before exams, classes had been suspended, and the school 'entered full-on revision' mode.

Even Lucifer had to study. The exams weren't just about practical magic - there were a lot of 'written papers' as well.

It was like a high schooler being forced to solve primary school problems: having the right answer wasn't enough, you also had to follow the exact steps and thought process demanded by the teacher.

This gave Lucifer a bit of a headache. He'd never cared much for such things, so he ended up turning to Hermione for help. For once, she became Lucifer's teacher.

The little witch was in high spirits, seizing the chance to drag Lucifer into lessons every day and indulging her fantasy of being a 'strict instructor.'

But why suffer alone? Lucifer also roped Hannah into this scheme. The result: two students wearing invisible masks of 'torment' all week. Hannah had gotten angry with him more times in this single week than in the entire term combined.

The atmosphere inside the castle grew increasingly tense. Several students had already succumbed to 'hysteria' and were sent to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey had to pour an entire bottle of 'Calming Draught' down their throats before they could settle down.

Most of these unfortunate souls were 'fifth-and seventh-years', facing the OWLs and NEWTs - the two most important exams of their Hogwarts lives---Students from other years were under less pressure, but even so, the library was packed, and in corridors you could see students speed-walking while muttering incantations under their breath.

On the last day before exams, Lucifer received a reply from Newt.

The old man's joy practically leapt from the parchment--- he was thrilled that Lucifer had tamed a unicorn and equally delighted by his discoveries. He invited him to come to New York for an in-depth discussion, offering to cover his airfare if needed.

Lucifer thought about it but didn't reply immediately. He wasn't sure if he'd have the time, or even if it was necessary---Best to wait, he could decide once after school ends, his schedule was so packed, needed to torture billions of souls, and forge new "Devil pacts."

Tucking the letter away, he finished his breakfast in a few quick bites and returned to revising.

The next day, the exams began.

First-year exams weren't especially difficult, but the answers were extremely long-winded--and utterly pointless.

Lucifer hadn't had to write this much by hand in ages; normally, he'd just use magic to guide his pen. By the end of one paper, his hand was actually sore, and he stared at it for three minutes, Hermione gave him an extra skin balm, she had.

----She was practically struggling to not laugh, when he thanked her, this sincerely. The practical portion was much easier.

Professor McGonagall's test involved transforming a mouse into a snuffbox tricky bit of living--to-non-living transformation, but still the easiest category of the lot.

----Harder was giving life to an inanimate object, and hardest of all was transforming one living creature into another.

Lucifer thought, he would complete the task without trouble, however his attention due to Maze's seductry whisper, and he ended up with a vibrator stirring wildly in a mechanical voice, darn sex tool had two white eyes, and a pinkish mouth, leaking moans out of it.

----McGonagall's stern face turned horrified, and with a reddish shreek, she sent him out of the room. Just before he left, he caught the woman fanning her face with a muggle fan.

Professor Flitwick's exam was even simpler, make a pear 'tap-dance' its way across a desk. Lucifer went above and beyond after his previous failure in Transfiguration, now using cherries as basketball.

----The pear dribbled them while singing and dancing, finishing with a dramatic slam and a 'stylish shoulder bump!'

Flitwick's eyebrows practically flew off his face with delight, "That's marvelous! What's that move called, Mr. Morningstar?"

"Oh, it's from a Muggle sport called basketball. Lots of people can play it, but being able to play, sing and dance? That's rare."

"A brilliant charm! I think I can announce your score right now."

In Potions, Snape chose the most difficult brew they'd learned in first year--the Forgetfulness Potion. Neville looked like he'd already drunk some; aside from the name, he couldn't remember a thing about it.

Under Snape's cold gaze, Neville trembled as he threw in ingredients at random.

Snape sneered, if Neville managed to brew a proper Forgetfulness Potion, he'd eat a Flobberworm raw. Satisfied that Neville would fail spectacularly, he moved on to intimidating Harry Potter instead.

Lucifer finished half an hour early. Without even glancing at him, Snape pointed silently at the door, dismissing him.

Finally, when the last History of Magic paper was handed in, students erupted in cheers. They had an entire week of freedom before the results came out, followed by final feast and then two and a half months of glorious summer.

1 Extra Chapter - 200 Power Stone's

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