Chapter 26 - Chapter 26 - Stones and Secrets

It didn't make him stop at all, instead he just turned his neck creepily, and glanced at White Pawns one by one.

"It's my job, let me do something useful for once!" It was Ron who shouted from beside Harry, after realising it's his moment to shine, "Harry, you should take the place of a Bishop. Hermione will take the Queen's spot, and Lucifer, take the place of a Cas-"

"Shut up Weasely, I don't have time for your silly games....Und fam na..."

"What are you talking about?!" Harry was really getting confused by Lucifer's actions, "It's obvious that Ron's better at chess, let him do th-"

"Harry, just take a look!"

"Huh...What the hell?!"

The White pieces that just drew their swords, to block intruder's way, have now directly transformed into ash.....

"What just happened? Aaahhh Look, over at the Black King!" Ron's eyeballs seemed to burst out of his socket, his real shock came when the Black Pieces were also demolished, no, it's just like they vanished in thin air.

"Checkmate...." Lucifer's voice reached all of their ears, it made Ron's mouth open like a dead fish, which was going to turn into so much hate against Lucifer, for taking his glorious moment away from him.

"....." Harry, "L-Lucifer, what did you do?!" he asked while panicking, feeling a little scared.

"Devil's Snare was Sprout's protection. Flitwick must've charmed those Keys. And, these Chess Pieces must've been Transfigured by McGonagall, that only leaves Quirrell and Sna- "

Just in case any pieces decided to reassemble, Lucifer stomped through the wreckage of Chessboard, crushing every fragment into pieces before continuing his speedrun.

"Lucifer, wait for us!" Hermione yelled at the boy's disappearing figure, when she saw him pushing open the door into the next room, instead of answering Harry or either of their questions, "Come on, let's just follow him!"

That room turned out to be massive, and there was a repugnant smell wafting from somewhere to their right.

Harry, who also hurriedly ran over, and saw another Troll on the floor, "Glad.... we didn't have to fight that one," he said, while gasping for breath lightly.

Hermione ignored it, wanting to get away from this smell, but a sound came.... behind them.

She figured it to be the Troll, but when they looked, something had come from the darkness and began feasting on the Troll, which they now knew to have been dead.

Hermione recognized the creature, "That's a Manticore!" Then, she ushered them to hide behind something, "Why's a Manticore here?!"

"That's a damn good question..." Lucifer peered around the corner of their hiding spot and saw it still feasting, "this creature's skin is resistant to most spells, and its Scorpion tail will kill a person instantly in one strike...." He came to sit back around the hiding spot.

"Daddy, you are scaring me even mo-"

Hermione stopped right there, when she suddenly heard the most horrific sound. It was like a person was screaming, but very muffled and fragmented.

Harry peeked around the corner and saw it looking right over at them. His blood ran cold, he'd never been more afraid than, that moment.

It suddenly trotted in their direction and Lucifer had them run towards the door. He knew what would save them, but he didn't know if he could just make it happen like that----

Lucifer looked over and the Manticore didn't move immediately, but when it did, it was fast.

It wasn't running towards him, though, he was going for Harry and Hermione as they were ahead of him.

"STAY BACK!" Lucifer yelled and the Manticore, just moments from pouncing on them, was flung back and hit the wall. Hermione looked back to him and saw, those eyes which made her feel safe.

Lucifer's eyes were glowing red. She knew about those, with unimaginable destructive power for a 'first-year.'

"Go... I'll take care of this," his voice sounded very ominous.

"Hermione, let's go!" Harry ushered, the bushy-haired girl, who seemed to have just been staring at Lucifer in a daze.

"But, Daddy, he-"

"Lucifer will be fine. He killed that Troll back on Halloween when his eyes glowed red, didn't he?!" Harry tried to see this crazy girl, some kind of reason as the Manticore was getting to back up.

Hermione reluctantly nodded, and they both ran into the next room, while Lucifer was alone to deal with the Manticore.

When the creature recovered, instead of roaring like earlier, it started to talk with Lucifer, in Hermione's voice. "Don't hurt me, please," it said, slowly approaching him.

Lucifer's red eyes vanished at that moment, not recognising the voice to be coming from the Manticore, so he looked around, but saw Hermione nowhere. When he faced back to the Manticore, it pounced on him, roaring into his face----

He saw the Scorpion Tail flying towards him. His eyes dangerously became red once again, sending it flying off of him, and into the wall again. Lucifer also stood up at the same time the Manticore did and raised his hand----

The Manticore suddenly felt a stinging, piercing feeling through its back and out its chest.

Lucifer had forced the Scorpion tail of the Manticore down through itself, causing it to collapse. It died seconds later.

Even though, he felt himself change back to normal.... there's also a feeling of extremely tired, and collapsing to his knees.

Lucifer heard the door open to his left and was unable to feel Hermione embracing him as she sobbed for his well-being. She was talking, but his head was pounding and wasn't able to make out any of her words.

She tried to help stand him up, but Lucifer was dead weight at that moment, "Hermione... go...get out of here...I'll be fine..."

"Daddy, please don't leave me, not again!"

"I am not going.... anywhere...find Dumbledore... or Owl him... let him know what happened..." Lucifer said, finding it hard to breathe for some reason, not knowing about this much negative impact, would be on his body, while using celestial magic.

"But... f-fine...'" Hermione stood up reluctantly, leaving him where he knelt.

xxxxxxx

In another chamber ringed with walls of fire... Harry stared, scalp prickling, at a table holding seven oddly shaped bottles and a parchment covered in writing. Every word, taken alone, he knew---but strung together, the meaning was a complete mystery.

He was abruptly reminded of his very first Potions lesson, when Snape had mocked him and offered to arrange remedial English lessons.

The 'evil Snape'--of course this challenge was his doing, designed specifically to stop Harry in his tracks!

"H-Hermione, please help...."

"But Harry, I left Daddy al-----"

"The f-faster you solve it, sooner you can go back to Lucifer...!"

This Granger was an emotional mess.

xxxxxx

The moment Lucifer entered, staggering a foot in his steps, purple flames sprang up behind him, the light was bright, his eyes strained to see anything after the initial opening.

For a moment, he rubbed his eyes and was rendered partially blind for a second until his vision cleared. He was able to see black flames before him, and straightened his back.

Feeling really miserable.....to become powerless like that for a few minutes, it was shameful, his body failed him in using Celestial's force. Never mind, for now----

"Finite Incantatem'."

Golden light rippled along the floor, racing forward and back. Both flame walls sputtered, then faded away. And with that, Lucifer stepped into the final chamber.

"Master, I can't hold him-my hand!-my hand! Let go of me, Potter!"

In the final chamber, when Lucifer stepped in, he saw Harry and Quirrell locked in a vicious struggle.

Quirrell's face and hands were covered in grotesque blisters, and Harry wasn't faring much better-his head felt as though it were about to split in two.

"Lucifer Morningstar?!"

Quirrell's turban had already been torn away, revealing Voldemort's agonized, flat face, just in time to witness Lucifer emerging from the stone corridor.

The moment Harry heard that furious roar, he instinctively turned toward the doorway---toward Lucifer, 'thank Merlin, now I will be completely safe!'

That single instant of distraction was all Quirrell needed. He wrenched himself free from Harry's grip, yanked out his wand, and aimed it at-well, the gibberish incantation spewed forth, but the murderous intent was 'clear-a deadly curse' meant for Harry.

"Accio Harry Potter!"

Before the curse could strike, Harry's body was yanked through the air to Lucifer's side as though pulled by an invisible hook, completely different from spell was originally meant to do. The curse slammed into the ground instead, blasting a gaping hole in the stone-----!

Harry had been running on pure adrenaline, the brush with death keeping him conscious. But now, momentarily out of danger, the boy promptly collapsed into unconsciousness.

"Lucifer Morningstar!" Quirrell bellowed.

"Shut up, you fool! Let me speak to him!"

Obediently, Quirrell turned his head so that Voldemort's flattened face was once again aimed at Lucifer.

"Morningstar'," Voldemort hissed, "I am the Dark Lord-the so-called He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Surely you know me."

Lucifer nodded lightly, "Oh, I do know you. The Dark wizard who was killed by Harry Potter when he was a 'year old in crib'. Because of you, he became... famous."

"..." Voldemort.

Excellent. 'As expected from a man, born from Muggle, abandoned by his own family, orphan rumoured to murder his own blood, powerful magic, sorted into Slytherin---he refuses to concede even in a battle of words.'

"Shall we talk?"

"Talk about what?" Lucifer tilted his head.

Voldemort's crimson eyes gleamed faintly. "Have you forgotten our arrangement with Quirrell? We agreed to share the 'Philosopher's Stone'. If you hand me the Stone from Harry's pocket, you'll gain boundless wealth and life everlasting, immortality, like 'Nicolas Flamel."

"Not only that, but I'll share with you my power and glory. Your talent is extraordinary, yet Dumbledore refuses to teach you advanced magic. Lucifer, have you ever been to the Restricted Section of the library?"

"I'm certain you haven't. Dumbledore fears you--fears that one day you'll surpass him, just as he once feared me. But I have no such reservations. I am the most powerful being alive, and I would share... 'my knowledge' freely with you." Voldemort's words were smooth poison.

Lucifer didn't answer right away, but Quirrell's breathing quickened--how he wished those promises were meant for him.

Yet Voldemort's eyes stayed locked on the boy, waiting for his reply.

Suddenly, Lucifer laughed.

"Voldemort, you're accusing me first to cover your own treachery. You and Quirrell were the ones who betrayed me--weren't we supposed to take the Stone together? Then why did you sneak back here alone without telling me?"

"But... looks like 'we think alike'."

"If I can keep it for myself, why share it with 'anyone'?"

As he spoke, Lucifer reached into the unconscious Harry's pocket and pulled out a blood-red stone. Voldemort's slit nostrils flared, his crimson pupils blazing with greed.

The Philosopher's Stone.

With it, and the immense power within, he could be reborn-stronger than ever before. Even Dumbledore wouldn't be able to stop him.

Just one more step. Just one final step!

"Lucifer," Voldemort's voice was now soft, coaxing, "I understand your ambition. We are both Slytherins--exceptional Slytherins. Look, what Dumbledore took from you. But you 'are young'. What good is possessing the Stone if you can't wield it? Do you know alchemy? Can you brew the Elixir of Life?"

"Wealth and treasure aren't what matter most. Do you know what you lack?"

"What?" Lucifer asked with feigned curiosity.

"A 'guide'," Voldemort whispered, spreading Quirrell's arms wide--though the posture looked strange with his back turned to Lucifer.

"You need a teacher--one learned, powerful, and wise. Dumbledore feared me once, and never taught me anything truly useful. After graduating, I spent twenty years wandering the world before completing my transformation into the 'greatest wizard' in history."

"Give me the Stone, and I will be your teacher. I will spare you countless detours."

Lucifer almost laughed aloud. Money, time, wives, did he lack anything? Who said they need to be partners, the man would be more useful to him after he was dead, The Devil would come knocking on his Hell's loop.

Voldemort becoming his subject of torture experiments, now that was more appealing, breaking him slowl---

With a flourish of his wand, Lucifer aimed at Voldemort. "Last time in the Forbidden Forest, didn't I already leave you too injured to take care of 'yourself?' You think I'd take a defeated man as my teacher? Besides, you're hardly the forgiving type. I will kill you first, before even acknowledging as my 'farming material', your first act upon revival on Earth... would probably be to kill me."

Voldemort's expression iced over, "You knew it was me?"

"In this entire school, who's more suspicious than 'you?' Snape?"

At the mention of Snape, unconscious Harry's brow furrowed instinctively.

"Very well..." Voldemort's voice was now drenched in fury and murderous intent, "If you will not see reason, then I will simply... kill you here and now!"

Quirrell spun around, raising his wand, and unleashed a curse he had clearly prepared in advance.

Lucifer sidestepped. He might have had taken it straight on, but after the Manticore incident, he didn't yet know his body limits--and wasn't about to test it against a killing curse.

If he were in his usual state, he might have tried to squeeze the last drop of power from Voldemort, just to see what leech would look then.

But he tried to woo the Devil. Right now, Lucifer wanted only one thing: to send his opponent flying.

'Smack!'

Harry, still under a levitation spell, was yanked into the air-and in Quirrell's horrified gaze, Lucifer sent him hurtling forward like a rocket-propelled battering ram.

"Take my special move-The Harry Headbutt!"

Harry was by no means some indestructible divine weapon like the 'Hand of God', if he ran into a wall, the wall wouldn't be the first thing to crack. He would.

But when it came to Quirrell, Harry was the 'deadliest weapon' there was.

Lucifer had seen it with his own eyes, magic inside boy's body, and Quirrell burning a foreline of his soul, to be precise, it was Voldemort, now riding in Quirrell's body, who was getting choked out by Harry.

He didn't know what this Protective magic was, but that wouldn't stop Lucifer from making good use of his school friend.

[....The protective magic Lily had left in her son had been building up for ten long years with nowhere to go, and today, it finally erupted in full force....]

"Fool! Move away-now!"

Even Voldemort panicked. The pain might have been Quirrell's to feel, but the suffering went straight to his soul.

And that ripping, searing agony---'Voldemorthad endured' it countless times before, but he still feared it like death itself. Worse yet, Harry hadn't come alone.

He 'was glowing.'

Voldemort recognized that glow instantly---it was the same light he'd seen in the Forbidden Forest when Lucifer had almost punched him into oblivion.

That blow had left him barely clinging to his 'wraith-like life'. Even after escaping, it had taken him half a month to recuperate, leeching nearly two-thirds of Quirrell's life force just to stagger back to health.

From that moment, Voldemort 'knew-this boy' had found yet another way to be his bane. 'Salazar's rusty grave---a Muggle this powerful, dabbling in such wholesome, righteous magic? Not Dark Arts, even more than Dumbledore' Unthinkable.'

Quirrell was just as terrified. He scrambled and rolled frantically out of the way of Harry's incoming rocket-headbutt.

But just before Harry's skull could make intimate contact with the floor, he skidded to a sudden stop--then spun like a meteor hammer, lashing out with a vicious 'kick' that caught Quirrell right as he was climbing back up.

"AAARGH!" Quirrell screamed, smoke curling from his chest. Lucifer's fingers twitched in rapid sequence, and Harry moved with them--anyone like Professor Flitwick, seeing this, would instantly recognize it as the exact same method he had once used during an exam to make a pear dance across a table.

First came a crushing, upward slam to Quirrell's torso, launching him back. Then a brutal follow-up-"Farewell My Concubine"-as Harry's hand raked mercilessly across Quirrell's face.

The combined torment of the Neutron Star's power and Lily's protection magic had both Quirrell and Voldemort howling in anguish.

Quirrell barely managed to raise his wand---when an invisible blade sliced clean through his wrist, severing his wand-hand entirely. His entire body was rotting away now....!

Like a ghastly wraith, Voldemort burst out from the back of Quirrell's skull.

"Lucifer Morningstar! I will return'!"

The spectral remnant spewed a wave of black smoke, propelling itself toward escape. Lucifer flung Harry aside and released a dense cloud of pure mist to block him, though he knew full well it likely wouldn't work in stopping a Soul.

Indeed, Voldemort tore through without slowing--though much of the smoke dissolved away in the 'attempt---before' vanishing into the wall itself.

Quirrell's body collapsed. The man was little more than a husk of rot now, long since dead, his end hideous beyond words. In the room, only one being was left breathing---and barely at that.

Lucifer's expression soured in disappointment as he carelessly set the half-conscious Harry down on the floor. Then something caught his eye---that enormous standing mirror placed in the very center of Chamber.

The Mirror of Erised, again.

A device that revealed one's most desperate, heartfelt desire.

"A final safeguard protecting the Philosopher's Stone, perhaps? Only those who... yearned to possess the Stone purely to protect it could actually obtain it... That has to be it, otherwise I wouldn't know any."

By that same measure, Lucifer also didn't qualify in the slightest. He simply wanted to know, after Unicorn's bonding--what was his greatest desire, deep down?

Did it change? It was a question he'd asked himself before. Even he had never settled belief on its answer, when it showed Lucifer's mother previously.

----Standing before the glass, hazy shapes began to swim into focus.

Lucifer's eyelid twitched violently.

The reflection revealed Dumbledore, in the Great Hall, no less-looking nothing like his usual serene, wise self. His face was alight with emotion, his beard trembling.

He was loudly proclaiming, "Mr. Morningstar has saved Hogwarts! I award him fifty thousand points, and Miss Granger as his bride!"

"..." Lucifer. 'Well. That couldn't be right. Had studying with Hermione fried my brain?'

...Yet the more he thought about it, the more it actually made sense. Fifty thousand House Points meant, a consecutive win for Gryffindor' for the next 'two decades or so...'

With that kind of honour, he'd soon be the 'Smartest wizard alive', even making Godric Gryffindor' drop his jaw in his house's win, Snape would probably either quit schooling in disgust or stop deducting points altogether, knowing it to be endless supply.....

Scoring House Points even after graduation, that would surely make Hermione's every day a living paradise, 'heavenly joy....!~'

Hogwarts, utterly free to live as he pleased, with the absolute authority to tell anyone, "No, I don't eat snakes."

Damn it. This mirror 'really' understood him.

"What do you see?" The warm, familiar voice came from behind. Without looking back, Lucifer replied casually,

"I see you, Professor, awarding me fifty thousand House Points--grateful that I've saved the school. Oh, and in the mirror you're crying from how moved you are."

Dumbledore didn't even know what kind of expression to wear at that. 'Fifty thousand points...' this boy really dared to dream.

"You truly value your House's honor," Dumbledore said with a dry chuckle, stepping up to stand beside him. "Fifty thousand is excessive---it'd make the hourglass explode. But given your heroics today, Gryffindor' and Slytherin both will certainly earn... a fair number of points."

"The more the better," Lucifer reminded him, then asked curiously, "Professor, what do you see in the 'Mirror of Erised?" As he spoke, he opened his Dimensional space.

Inside, Grindelwald fixed Dumbledore with a piercing stare.

"Wool socks," Dumbledore said lightly, "Many think I love books best, so every winter I'm buried in them as gifts. But the present you gave me, Mr. Morningstar---that's the one I've cherished most. I was still wearing them last month."

Lucifer's face twitched. He had given Dumbledore a... Green sweater. 'It was May. Hogwarts averaged in the mid-20s Celsius. Who in their right mind wore a sweater in that weather without worrying aboutheat rash?'

"He's lying," Grindelwald said firmly in Lucifer's pocket space, "When Dumbledore lies, his blinking speeds up, and he clasps his hands behind his back while puffing out his chest--to steel 'his own resolve'."

Mazikeen gave Grindelwald a horrified look. 'Was it his problem or Grindelwald's that the man knew his mortal enemy's habits this well?'

"We've plenty to discuss later," Dumbledore said aloud, "but Harry's in poor condition. We should get him to the hospital wing."

----Lucifer nodded. With a flick of his wand, the unconscious Harry rose into the air. Logically, if they were in a hurry, Dumbledore could've had Fawkes take them straight to the infirmary. Instead, the Headmaster chose to walk---leading the way back into the Potions chamber.

Lucifer followed. They passed through the potion room, the troll room, then arrived at Chess and flying chamber. The wreckage made even Dumbledore's eyelids twitch.

"That creature.... it' probably was born from your magic on the Troll. It shouldn't be there...."

Now only, Lucifer realized... perhaps he'd gone a bit overboard earlier. Manticore's even corpse was ashened.

"Good thing Minerva's not here," Dumbledore murmured. "She'd be heartbroken--took her the whole summer to set up that board."

Lucifer felt no shame whatsoever, even controlling the unconscious Ron to float alongside Harry as they continued on. In the Devil's Snare chamber, blue flames lit the tip of his wand.

He glanced at Dumbledore, then at the trapdoor in the ceiling. 'Would he be able to fly? I might be about to find out----'

---But no. Dumbledore lived up to his title as the magical world's master of enchanted devices. With a graceful wave, rubble from the previous two rooms rose into the air, floated along the stone corridor, and assembled into a staircase that stretched all the way from trapdoor down to their feet.

xxxxxxx

"...."

"Mr. Morninstar?" Dumbledore looked at the boy standing frozen in place, puzzled.

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering how you managed to get here, Professor."

"Fawkes brought me to the door."

"And... how long have you been here?"

"Mm, just a little later after that Manticore was already dead.... you were waking up, I saw Miss Granger scolding Hagrid's dear Flaffy... I'm deeply sorry about it."

"Remarkable concealment magic! I didn't sense you at all. Professor, would you teach me?"

Lucifer would never be feeling ashamed in finding new types of magic all around the known-verse, special powers, encountering for the first time, and learn them.

"With pleasure."

Neither of them spared a glance at the enormous three-headed dog "sleeping in the corner", while cowering and trembling like a leaf. They simply pushed door open and stepped out.

Only when they were gone did Fluffy return to his senses, though his heart was brimming with grievance.

This job was definitely not fit for a dog. He never wanted to be a guard dog again! That human girl scared it to a terror--like nightmare!

By the time Dumbledore and Lucifer descended to the third floor, Hermione and Professor McGonagall appeared--rather like police arriving fashionably late to a scene.

"Dumbledore? Good heavens! Potter? Weasley? What on earth happened here?!"

The moment McGonagall caught sight of Harry's pale-faced and unconscious, she almost fainted herself.

"Minerva, do calm yourself. Harry is not in any real danger, but Madam Pomfrey will need to examine him to be certain...."

"Ooof! Hermione, you're crushing me, seriously my very bones ache!"

She was currently giving her best friend, Lucifer, one of her fierce Hermi-hugs, squeezing the life out of him, while she kept whispering in his ears, but alas.....

"Oh, thank goodness... thank goodness," Minerva said, still visibly shaken. Then, her expression hardened, "And the Philosopher's Stone? Miss Granger claims Snape tried to steal it---which is utterly absurd!"

Dumbledore nodded. "Quite right. Severus had nothing to do with any of this. It was Quirrell."

"Quirrell?" McGonagall's shock gave way to fury. "But he resigned and left already, didn't he?"

Hermione, while taking away someone' else's life, looked equally stunned. 'Who could have guessed that the one coveting the Stone wasn't the sinister--looking Snape, but the seemingly harmless, hopelessly timid Professor Quirrell?'

"It was all part of a scheme," Dumbledore explained calmly, "Minerva, please see to sealing off the third-floor corridor. I'll explain the details to you tomorrow..."

Receiving her orders, McGonagall gave a sharp nod, then turned to Hermione Granger, who turned pink, and left the boy alone from her death like grip, and turned to stare at the Professor.

"Miss Granger, your voice is completely gone--go with the Headmaster to the hospital wing. You've had a hard day."

Hermione nodded as well, opening her mouth... only for no sound to come out. It had taken her ages to even get McGonagall's attention earlier, her hoarse throat refusing to produce a single word.

In the end, Minerva had grown impatient and made her write the whole thing down on parchment before she understood what had happened.

With Hermione joining her fingers, entwining'm with Lucifer's left hand, in such an intimate gesture, Dumbledore said nothing more until they reached the hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey promptly launched into a scolding tirade at Dumbledore, declaring that strange, dangerous things like this had no business being anywhere near students.

There were only two people in the entire school who dared to speak to Dumbledore that way---Minerva McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey herself. When it came to student safety, she would have no qualms about pointing her finger at the Headmaster's nose.

And Dumbledore didn't even try to argue--he just smiled meekly and took the telling-off.

After examining everyone, Madam Pomfrey said curtly, "Potter's fine-just drained his magic too much in a short burst. Weasley's injuries are purely physical."

What about me? Hermione quickly pointed at herself.

"Off with you, stop making a fuss! Don't talk for the next two days and drink plenty of water--'you'll be fine."

Hermione's face dropped, her lips turning to a thin straight line, as she was pushed out of the hospital wing.

"Then I'll leave them in your care, Poppy," Dumbledore said with a smile, before leading Lucifer toward the Headmaster's office, as he waved at the girl beaming at him with a sheepish smile.

"A truly busy day," Dumbledore sighed as soon as he sat in his chair, "First I was called away to London, then had to rush back here-I feel like these old bones are about to fall apart."

"Mr. Morningstar," he continued, his sharp blue eyes resting on Lucifer, "you didn't seem at all surprised to find 'Voldemort inside Quirrell.' And you certainly showed no fear of him. When I learned the truth, I must confess it took me quite some time to recover from the shock."

"I'm Muggle-born," Lucifer said pointedly.

Dumbledore frowned. What did that have to do with anything?

"For those of us who never knew the wizarding world before, Voldemort is merely an abstract concept," Lucifer explained patiently, and slowly, afraid the old man's hearing would miss something, "We don't feel anything about him---he's not even as frightening as certain villains in children's storybooks. As for him possessing Professor Quirrell--well, if magic itself exists, then what 'isn't possible?' So no, it didn't surprise me. I just thought Professor Quirrell had terrible taste---if you're going to choose a master, at least pick someone formidable, not a 'half-dead cripple."

Dumbledore chuckled and nodded at that, "Indeed. A name is just a name-people are the ones who pile so many meanings onto it. But still, I must thank you, Mr. Morningstar, for protecting the Stone and thwarting Voldemort's plans."

"You've 'misunderstood' something, Professor," Lucifer corrected him.

"Oh?"

"I wasn't protecting the school's property." From his pocket, Lucifer produced the Philosopher's Stone, "Since you arrived at almost the same moment I recovered, you must have overheard my conversation with 'Voldemort'. I want this Stone."

For a brief moment, Dumbledore's gaze turned razor-sharp, as though cutting straight through Lucifer's flesh and peering into his very soul.

But the edge vanished quickly, replaced by the same calm voice. "May I ask why, Mr. Morningstar? Immortality? At your age, fearing death seems a bit premature."

"Wealth? Even less reason--mere trinkets. Without the Stone, your talents would win you 'riches easily enough'. Being Merlin's descendant, you boy, I say are the richest wizard in the entire history of the Wizarding World."

"....." Lucifer took that as a joke, not exactly at face value. 'What kind of bullcrap just Dumbledore spat? First I was a muggle born, and now this...'

The moment he got back to Diagon Alley, he would be going straight to Flourish and Blotts to get as many books as he could on Merlin, to learn, why Dumbledore thought he was related to their version of God or something?

The supposedly "sleeping" portraits of past Headmasters stirred, cracking open their eyes to watch this bold young wizard who dared to challenge Dumbledore himself.

"Professor."

Lucifer met Dumbledore's gaze squarely, without flinching, "Merlin aside, I need it for two specific reasons. First for Hermione, and well do you... know of the Greengrass family curse?"

In an instant, Dumbledore's eyes softened, warm and gentle,

"I think I understand your plan now, Mr. Morningstar." The old man's smile returned, and even his tone grew lighter.

He had speculated on many possible reasons why Lucifer might want the Philosopher's Stone, but this one--this he had overlooked. And it was the one that surprised and 'pleased' him the most.

"Madam Pomfrey spoke to me at the end of term. Poppy was deeply concerned about Miss Granger...." Dumbledore replied gently, gesturing to an open leather-bound tome on his desk, "What she is experiencing is an incredibly rare, tragic phenomenon known among theorists as Core Rejection. It is specific to certain Muggleborn witches and wizards..."

Lucifer frowned, his defensive anger momentarily giving way to confusion, "What do you mean, Muggleborn core? Magic is magic."

"To a point, yes." His tone laced with deep empathy, "But consider the anatomy of a magical core. Pureblood and Half-blood children inherit a genetic and spiritual framework that has adapted over centuries to channel magic seamlessly... A Muggleborn's core, however, is a sudden, beautiful anomaly. A spark of pure magic ignites in a lineage that has been dormant for generations."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his blue eyes intense, staring at the boy in front whose posture tightened a bit, "In ninety-nine percent of cases, the child's body adapts perfectly. But very rarely, a Muggleborn's intellect and willpower outpace the physical and spiritual development of their core. Miss Granger uses her magic with an intensity and frequency that exceeds almost any student I have ever seen. Her mind demands more power than her newly awakened core can sustainably draw.. from the ambient magic around her."

"So her own body... is rejecting the magic?" Lucifer asked, the horror of realization settling into his mind.

"Her nervous system views the magical strain as an infection, an unnatural pressure. It is actively shutting down her pathways to protect her physical life... If it continues, she will not only lose her magic permanently; the collapse of the core could take her life."

Lucifer sank into the chair opposite Dumbledore, the fight suddenly draining out of him. He stared at his hands, "Then I am right. The Stone. It creates the Elixir of Life, it transmutes matter, and can heal her."

"You are more right than you know," Dumbledore said, a faint, sad smile touching his lips, "The Philosopher's Stone is not merely a tool of wealth and immortality. It is an artifact of perfect, stabilized spiritual energy. The Elixir does not just heal the flesh; it reinforces the soul's connection to magic..."

"If administered correctly, the Elixir could act as a permanent bridge. It would fortify Miss Granger's physical vessel, allowing it to withstand the immense pressure of her magic, and permanently stabilize her core. It would stop the depletion... However, Using the Stone's life-giving power to resolve Greengrass family curse? That is indeed a very creative plan. Whether it will work, however... I cannot say."

"You still haven't answered my question," Lucifer pressed.

"Ah... it is a most troublesome problem, truly. All I can tell you is... it's an extremely vicious blood curse. Yes, 'vicious' beyond words."

"Blood curse?" Lucifer frowned, recalling the records he had read about this magical species', "Isn't a wizard's blood curse supposed to be the kind of malediction that turns a person entirely into 'some sort of beast?"

The most famous blood-curse victim, he learnt of course, was Nagini--who had dealings with Grindelwald, she was a witch carrying a blood curse destined to permanently transform her into a snake.

Dumbledore looked at the boy with mild surprise, "I didn't expect you to be so well-versed in blood curses. But that," he continued patiently, "is only one form of the blood curse... There are many varieties--some damage the soul, some torment the body; lycanthropy is only one possible manifestation. In general, any curse passed down through the bloodline may be called a blood curse..."

"Ah, so that also applies to people here. I only read of turning into a beast..."

"Hmm, might indulge this old man into some of your knowledge?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at the boys's unprecedented words, his vast depth of insights impressing even more so, and curious if there were any books, he had gotten hold of from Merlin's lost collection.

"Like, daughter or son eating their own mother after reaching the age of thirteen.... to live upto fifty three."

"My.... word. I pray, and pay condolences...The Greengrass family's blood curse... I suspect you've heard of it before. That's why you thought of using the Elixir of Life from the Stone to heal it."

Lucifer nodded. "I've created a potion that can help Astoria--it works to a degree---but its main effect isn't to replenish life force, and its efficacy gradually wanes."

"That's already remarkable," Dumbledore praised, "Years ago, Daphne Greengrass's grandmother asked me to break her younger sister's blood curse. I tried... and failed. Mr. Morningstar, in this, you have outdone me."

No, not me, Lucifer corrected silently. The true credit belonged to Ainz's Strengthening Draught--its ancient recipe retrieved, and developed from a long-forgotten magical ruin.

He held his tongue, waiting for Dumbledore to share more about the curse.

"The Greengrass family's blood curse is peculiar," Dumbledore went on. "First of all, the family has only female members..."

"No exceptions?" Lucifer arched a brow.

Dumbledore thought for a moment, "Hmm. If changing the surname counts, then yes---there are many 'exceptions'. Let me rephrase: so long as they keep the surname 'Greengrass' and acknowledge themselves as members of the Greengrass line, their descendants will inevitably be female."

"It's like the so-called 'curse' on the Defence Against the Dark Arts post. Many believe they can break it by changing the subject's name---but if the teaching content remains the same, the curse still holds. Otherwise, I wouldn't have the 'headache' of finding a new professor every year."

"It's clear the caster meant to wipe out this ancient pure-blood family entirely."

In truth, the wizarding world was still very traditional. Once a daughter married, she was considered part of her husband's household. Take Molly Prewett, for instance--once she married into the Weasely family, her loyalties were entirely theirs.

Its cause of Magic being sentient, which also prevents betrayal, after a bond was registered.

"And the most cruel thing of all," Dumbledore said softly, "is that in every generation, at least one family member will inherit the blood curse."

Lucifer's expression darkened. One victim in every generation? In an instant, many things clicked into place for him.

Seeing his shifting expression, Dumbledore knew there was no need to elaborate further. He sighed, "Yes---that's why every generation of Greengrasses are sisters. If there's only one daughter, the curse is guaranteed to strike her. But if there are two, at least one will be spared."

"A painful and drawn-out fate," he added, "You could say that every Greengrass who dies of old age does so at the cost of her 'dearest sister's life."

The room sank into a heavy silence.

Then, from behind Lucifer, a voice drawled, "Tch. Those women are just a bunch of stubborn fools."

Lucifer turned to see Phineas Nigellus Black speaking from his portrait.

"Oh? Phineas, you have a wiser solution?" Dumbledore asked, intrigued.

Phineas tugged at his little goatee and sniffed, "I told the Greengrasses long ago---just abandon the 'surname, stop claiming membership in the family, marry into other 'pure-blood lines, and nothing will happen to their children. But would they listen? No! They insist on torturing themselves. How is that anyone else's fault?"

At that, a chorus of indignant voices rose from the other portraits.

"You think everyone's as shameless as you---dropping your name whenever it suits you?"

"Exactly! If I told you to stop calling yourself 'Black' and take my surname, Fosco, would you do it?"

"The Black family has no blood curse, so why should I change?" Phineas said with utter disdain.

"You shameless old goat-get him!" a plump witch in a headmaster's portrait bellowed.

A swarm of past headmasters poured into Phineas's frame, launching into an all-out brawl. Phineas was outnumbered ten to one and quickly overwhelmed--but his tongue remained as sharp as ever. If he couldn't win with fists, he would certainly try with insults.

Dumbledore gave Lucifer an embarrassed smile, "Portraits differ somewhat from the people they depict... All our predecessors were fine individuals, truly-only, once they're on the wall, they tend to become... 'livelier."

"And you?" Lucifer's eyes gleamed with mischief. "What will you be like once you're hanging up there? I can't wait to 'find out."

"You'll see the day when it comes," Dumbledore said, surprisingly wistful-as though he too longed for the peace of a well-earned retirement.

The interruption over, they returned to the matter of the Greengrasses.

"So... do you think my plan could work?" Lucifer asked.

"It's worth trying," Dumbledore said gravely. "The Elixir of Life does replenish vitality, and its power does not fade--otherwise, Nicolas and Perenelle would not have lived so long. The only concern is the Stone's magical reserves."

He looked down at the Philosopher's Stone, "When Nicolas entrusted it to me, he warned me that most of its magic had already been spent."

Lucifer seized the moment. "May I exchange letters with Nicolas Flamel, if need be?"

This wasn't solely about the Greengrass curse--Nicolas himself was a living treasure. In raw magical power, he might not match Dumbledore, but in knowledge and experience, he far surpassed him.

"I will convey your request to him," Dumbledore promised. "Oh, and even better---"

He winked like an old prankster. "I'll see if I can get you the recipe for the Elixir of Life. You could give both Miss Granger, and Miss Greengrass a dose straight away."

The fact that Lucifer would ask for the Stone for someone else's sake convinced Dumbledore of one thing: this boy would never grow into a 'Voldemort.'

With that conviction, Dumbledore decided that even if the Stone were whole and newly forged, he would not take it back.

"Then I'll be awaiting in America, for your good news," Lucifer said with a smile, tucking the Stone away.

xxxxxx

"America? Planning a trip?" Dumbledore asked with curiosity.

"No, Professor Scamander has invited me to visit, and I've already agreed."

Lucifer thought it over carefully. How could he possibly refuse when Newt extended such a heartfelt invitation? So he decided that once he got back, he'd write Newt a letter to arrange the time for his trip to America. And it was absolutely not because----he hid away his guilty desire to see a 'Thunderbird.'

By the time he left the Headmaster's office, it was already two in the morning.

When he returned to his dormitory, his roommates were all fast asleep, Hermione found to be nowhere, probably dozed off.

He was exhausted too---not so much from fighting Voldemort, but from dealing with Manticore.

Every force he'd thrown at that creature in 'rage' had been with full force of two percent---At the time, he hadn't felt much thanks to the adrenaline, but now that he was relaxed, fatigue hit him like a tidal wave.

Before long, Lucifer had drifted off.

These days, though, he only needed three hours of sleep to feel completely refreshed for an entire day. Which meant he was the last to go to bed, but always the first to wake.

At dawn, he left the castle and strolled into the Forbidden Forest, morning sun at his back, until he found three unicorns and played with them for a while.

He even fed them a little bit of his "Mystical light" as their breakfast.

Ever since becoming their personal food supplier, his treatment from the unicorns has changed completely.

Before, he had to work hard to get close to them. Now, he was the prized guest---they were the ones fawning over him. 'Max, Leo, and Milo' crowded around, nudging him and acting cute, all in the hopes of getting an extra mouthful.

He had even discussed the phenomenon with Aoyuki: why unicorns loved eating the Neutron's star pure light?

Her conclusion--'Purification'.

Unicorns absorbed the pure positive energy of the Star to refine their own magic, effectively purifying their bloodline. Naturally, this also allowed them to grow stronger, even displaying ancestral traits.

Nowadays, 'Max and Leo's' coats were whiter than snow, gleaming faintly under sunlight, while Milo's coat had a delicate pinkish hue, its mane shimmering with pale gold.

"Would you like to come with me during the holidays?" Lucifer asked suddenly, stroking the face of the smallest unicorn.

"I could make a temporary home for you, before you are ready for my own residence down there... though it wouldn't be nearly as big as the Forbidden Forest. Just enough space for your daily life."

Through telepathy, all three unicorns understood perfectly, and immediately pressed up against him, making their answer obvious.

Oh, sure. All for food. Who needs a home, right?

Lucifer chuckled, flicked his wand, and swept all the dirt off his clothes.

Looks like he had work to do---time to prepare a temporary nest for his three little freeloaders.

His mastery of the 'Undetectable Extension Charm' was now solid enough that creating a stable space the size of a Quidditch pitch wouldn't be a problem. The real challenge lay in the materials---whatever he used would have to withstand long-term magical erosion without needing frequent replacement.

These pure Creature's wouldn't survive in his shadow, so young, not just yet....

On his way back to the castle, he had already made up his mind. Materials, he plucked them off from his own Underworld---if he used dragonhide and dragonbone to make a suitcase, the quality would be top-notch.

He was planning to eat breakfast before getting started, but moment he stepped into the Great Hall, someone spotted him, no two.

xxxxxxx

"Lucifer's here!" Weasely twins shouted in unison. In an instant, not just Gryffindor'---every single one of the 237 young witches and wizards in the Hall turned to look his way.

Ron, who'd only suffered minor injuries, had completely recovered after a night's rest. His big mouth rivaled even Hagrid's---he'd told everything he knew, adding just enough embellishment to make it thrilling: twenty-foot-high chess pieces, Devil's Snare blanketing the floor, and a monstrous, merciless Manticore.

All of it had been spun into tales of his and 'Harry's heroics.'

Then Hermione, ever the honest one, got irritated, and had added her own two bits---she told everything, including her and Lucifer's part in the adventure---and how she'd overheard Dumbledore himself admit Quirrell had been the one after the Stone.

The story evolved into 'Morningstar and Potter' joining forces to defeat the wicked Professor Quirrell and save the school's treasure.

One of the "heroes" was still lying in the hospital wing. The other had just walked in---and instantly became the center of attention.

Hermione pulled Lucifer down to sit beside her, saying nothing, just staring at him expectantly. All around, other young witches and wizards fixed him with curious eyes, silently demanding to know 'his' side of the story.

With so many gossip-hungry faces staring him down, Lucifer knew he couldn't get away without saying something, "Well... it's not far off from the truth. But in the end, it was Harry who defeated Quirrell. I just helped a little."

In reality, he'd dealt with Voldemort and Quirrell entirely with one Shield Charm and a single 'Mortal Slash'--the damage had all been Harry's doing.

The Great Hall went silent. Even the furthest Slytherins's could hear him clearly.

Then came the thunderous cheers. Only Ron lowered his head uncomfortably.

He'd seen Lucifer's true power in the Forbidden Forest. As Harry's best friend, even he couldn't, in good conscience, claim Harry had done more than Lucifer.

The only reason Lucifer would say something like that... was humility. Thinking that, Ron suddenly felt ashamed 'first', he'd always disliked Lucifer and Hermione because of their earlier disagreements, but the truth was---it was Ron himself who had been looking for trouble.

Compared side by side, he now felt like a complete clown. His ashamed turned outright into fury, if only Lucifer hadn't stolen his momeny, the Giant Wizard's Chess, it evolved into a deeper 'hate.'

"Morningstar, you're being far too modest." The voice came from the Slytherin table--and to everyone's surprise, it was Draco Malfoy speaking up for Lucifer.

"I know exactly what bloody Potter's capable of. He barely knows a handful of spells. If he ran into an enemy, I imagine he'd just... 'claw at them."

Malfoy punctuated his remark by waving his hands like he was scratching wildly at something. His imitation was spot-on, sending the Slytherin table into an uproar of laughter, rivaling the Gryffindors' earlier cheer.

Lucifer looked at him strangely. 'Indeed... the person who knew Harry Potter best was Malfoy. He'd even guessed that.'

Because honestly, Harry had ended up tackling Quirrell in a 'full-on brawl'.

xxxxxxx

After breakfast, Lucifer brought Hermione and Daphne who was utterly curious at Slytherin's table to an empty room nearby, and charmed it closed with privacy.

Before getting down to business, he gave Daphne a detailed recount of yesterday's events starting from subduing Fluffy, all the way to facing Voldemort himself, Hermione let out a pitiful whimper at the last part, and crushed his bones again-----

The little witches gripped their hands so tightly their knuckles turned white, hardly daring to breathe.

"The Dark Lord was actually on Quirrell's body... so we've been living in the castle with him for an entire term?" Daphne's voice was a mix of lingering fear and anger.

The girl didn't even dare speak Voldemort's real name, and Lucifer had no intention of correcting her. It was a habit she'd had for years, and there was no need to argue over a name.

Hermione, on the other hand, seemed much calmer now just as Lucifer had told Dumbledore earlier, Muggle-born witches simply didn't grasp what Voldemort truly represented. Without that ingrained fear, most of what they felt came from the influence of those around them.

"When we get back, I'm having Mum send a complaint to the Ministry of Magic. What kind of headmaster is Dumbledore? To have such a 'dangerous man under his nose' for an entire term without noticing----he's completely unfit for the job!"

Daphne clenched her little fists, mentally chalking up another strike against Dumbledore.

In truth, Daphne was a textbook Slytherin pro-pure-blood and anti-Dumbledore. If not for Lucifer, she would have easily fallen in with Pansy Parkinson and her little clique of the 'Sacred Twenty-Eight.'

But Daphne also happened to be a shameless sucker for a handsome face. In the presence of absolute looks, she'd long since tossed her pure-blood ideals aside.

After spending so much time with Lucifer and Hermione, plus due to her crush on a certain Slytherin witch those old beliefs had faded completely.

Her dislike of Dumbledore, however, remained 'firmly intact.'

Even Hermione, for once, didn't leap to Dumbledore's defense. She too found it absurd, 'wasn't Hogwarts supposed to be the safest place in the wizarding world? Then how could Voldemort show up there of all places? It was beyond ridiculous!' we must, write a letter.... to start an investigation from higher authorities of School's board!'

"In the future, leave dangerous things like this to Potter," Daphne said, eyes shimmering as she clasped her own wand for protection.

"That's the Dark Lord we're talking about. Even at his weakest, he's dangerous. You're still 'young.' Once we've grown up, he definitely won't be your match. Then you can go and take him down."

Lucifer smiled as he ruffled some of his untidy hair, "Actually, the hooded figure I met in the 'Forbidden Forest' that night was Quirrell... and the Dark Lord. I only went after him because I knew I had the upper hand... You don't need to worry about me."

Hermione's eyes lit with sudden realization, "So that's why Quirrell resigned right after that day. I should have guessed!" Then, with a hint of envy, she added, "the Golden Snitch, Chessboard, those challenges were amazing! Lucifer, you could've let me help along. If not for singing and potions, I felt useless beyond words...."

"Granger's right, at least for the potion and chess parts, I'm certain I could've passed...."

"That's easy," Lucifer said casually. "It's just a game of challenges. When we're back next term, I'll set it all up for you to gain experience..."

After chatting for a while longer, Lucifer sketched Voldemort's current appearance earning identical grimaces from both girls. Once they learned he still had work to do, they left him to it alone.

He pulled out dragonhide and dragon bone from shadows, beginning the careful process of cutting and assembly------

Crafting a trunk with an 'Undetectable Extension Charm' was both a technical and physical task. The space had to be expanded layer by layer, and each expansion needed a 'Stabilizing Charm' to ensure the space remained intact for the long term.

In the days after final exams, Lucifer spent every afternoon working on the trunk, while also researching the Thunderbird. 'That blasted Grindelwald had gotten him curious about the chicken!'

Newt had used Swooping Evil venom in order to erase the memories of the non-magical (No-Maj) population of New York—

The creature's weather-related powers were used to create a rainstorm laced with it to distract and bind Gellert, allowing MACUSA Aurors to disarm and 'capture him.'

Native to North America, the Thunderbird was a rare and magical creature, and Hogwarts' library had only a few sparse records. Even so, the little information he found was enough to leave Lucifer in stunned silence.

The Thunderbird was one of the most skilled fliers among magical creatures, capable of reaching speeds over 'five hundred' kilometers per hour---and its flight was accompanied by fierce winds and storms.

xxxxxxx

The day before the end-of-year feast, the Quidditch final began. Harry was still unconscious, so Gryffindor had to hastily replace him with a student who was decent on a broom--- but the team had no chemistry whatsoever, and Ravenclaw utterly 'demolished' them.

When Lucier saw the players come off the pitch, Oliver Wood's eyes were rimmed red. 

That very evening, Harry finally woke up, Oliver almost broke his own broom, and he had to be 'restrained' by Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell.

xxxxxxx

"Good afternoon, Harry." Dumbledore greeted him with a smile.

Harry blinked for a moment, then suddenly remembered, "Professor - the Philosopher's Stone! It was Quirrell, he-wait, where's Lucifer?"

"Calm yourself, my boy." Dumbledore's voice carried a gentle magic that settled Harry almost instantly.

Only then did he continue, "The Stone is safe. You and Mr. Morningstar protected it, and defeated Quirrell. That was most impressive." Dumbledore answered a few more of Harry's questions.

Gradually, Harry felt a strange clarity as though Dumbledore were deliberately giving him permission, silently telling him he had the right to face Voldemort himself.

It was as if everything had been guided toward that moment.

But what about Lucifer? If not for him, he would have most likely been eaten by that Manticore, if not for him going wild.

He thought, all his friends, Ron, Hermione, Lucifer, and even Neville could have whatever Honeydukes sweets they wanted, because he was not sure what to do with over half of it, on beside his bed like a mountain pile, his teeth would definitely rot.

It's Lucifer she'd offered 'Granger's dental' clinic plan free for life, not him, no Harry Potter!

Even more good news, the boy was Merlin's descendant?! What good news, Harry was already over the mood, his spirits completely lifted, and felt healed all over.

With Madam Pomfrey's permission, Harry left the hospital wing before the feast and finally ran into Lucifer in the entrance hall.

Ignoring Ron and Hermione, Harry intercepted Lucifer just as he was about to step inside. The two of them moved to a corner of the Great Hall, and Harry said earnestly, "Lucifer, thank you, I offer you sweets in return..."

"Sure for sweets, but no need for thanks. By the time I got there, you'd already beaten Quirrell half to death," Lucifer replied lightly.

Then, curious, he asked, "But I am wondering---how did you get through the Potion challenge? Hermione seemed quite hesitant to share..."

Harry instantly grimaced, but did open his mouth to share intel politely, "I've never seen her cry so much about you before, or about just anything. She almost punched me, for trying to convince her about leaving you in that Chamber.... 'Sorry."

"Nah..."

"Dumbledore also told me not to say anything, but I'm not going to let that secret be kept from you.... I've already had too many kept from me since Voldemort killed my parents, I'm not going to le..." Harry trailed off for a moment, his dark history just came back in front, "It was when I had gotten past him telling about Manticore.... Dumbledore said, 'It shouldn't be surprising that you got past it, you did have Merlin's Descendant with you, after all.'"

"And then he explained how you killed the Troll. Your eyes were also red, according to Hermione that day, and I also saw them for myself when you flung that Manticore into the wall," Harry explained and thus revealed something very incredible to Lucifer, he was the Merlin's Descendant again?

"....." Lucifer.

"..." Harry, who was at least expecting a small thank you in return. Maybe he really should have kept his mouth shut, like he was told?

"I won't tell Hermione or Ron, in case you were wondering," Harry said to him.

"You won't?"

"No, I'll let you tell them on your terms, it only seems fair," Harry smiled at him and Lucifer also smiled bitterly, to be real, he really didn't know what to say.

"Thank you, Pot-Harry. But, I am not what Dumbledore thinks...." Lucifer looked at Harry, with raised eyebrows, "About Hermione?" He couldn't really fathom why.

Knowing now that he was a so-called Descendant of Merlin, Lucifer figured it wouldn't get any easier.

"Well, you're her 'Daddy' or whatever.... I think Hermione's not in good condition to be honest, even started to break potion vials, after watching you laying there, not awake," That was all Harry said before launching back into his retale of the story.

From what Lucifer mused, Harry was usually the one with sudden flashes of inspiration, while Hermione was the steady, logical one providing technical solutions. This time, though... for the two, with the latter's mind damaged, to have made it through on his own, especially since it was a potion trial, seemed almost 'unreal' to Lucifer.

Harry was only good at following recipes, and making perfect potions, a talent inherited from his mother Lily, but not solving riddles.

Harry, seeing Lucifer's interest, did recount his journey, from how own view.

In the Devil's Snare room, he hadn't even recognized what it was, all his Herbology lessons with Professor Sprout had gone right out the window.

If not for Hermione's brilliance, they would have been strangled alive, even terrifying, Ron's mangled up wand might have had, snapped in the process, and cause an explosion.

Merlin, they were saved from burning to a crisp. The Chessboard challenge, of course, had been Ron's moment to shine, but Lucifer saved the trouble.

-----Harry did not mention gaining any fame or valor, he could have gotten by finding a key riding the broomstick, to him, protecting Philosopher's Stone was more important.

And the potion riddle... Hermione had gone barmy, so Harry had guessed.

Or rather, gambled. He'd examined every bottle, picked the one he thought had been tampered with and had the least potion left, and drank it, and, against all odds, his hunch had been right.

Listening to the whole ordeal, Lucifer could only shake his head in disbelief.

So it was all luck and recklessness, then. Truly the protagonist, 'Voldemort's fated nemesis.'

Anyone else would've been in serious danger, but Harry had stumbled through 'unscathed'... and was already bouncing around like nothing had happened.

xxxxxxx

"Uh... about that..."

Harry scratched the back of his head awkwardly, "Lucifer, I... owe you one more apology."

"An apology?" Lucifer raised a brow at him, looking more puzzled than offended. "What could you possibly have done to wrong me?" It wasn't that Lucifer doubted Harry's character---he simply doubted 'his ability.'

Hearing that, Harry looked even more uncomfortable, "Last time, you and Hermione told me to be careful of Quirrell, but I kept thinking Snape was the bad guy. Then Dumbledore told me... Snape had been protecting me all along, and it was Quirrell who wanted to kill me. If I'd listened to you earlier, none of this might've happened."

"That's it?" Lucifer blinked in mild surprise, "Honestly, even if you had known, it wouldn't have made much difference... Without proof, you couldn't exactly stalk Quirrell all day waiting for him to slip up. The result would've been the same. So no need to apologize to me. If you really must, go and 'tell Snape instead."

Lucifer walked off, leaving Harry frozen in place, staring after him. A moment later, Harry curled his lips in distaste.

Apologize to Snape?

He'd sooner keep suspecting the man. 'Thatwas fine'--- he didn't mind being a petty little villain.

xxxxxx

Lucifer entered the Great Hall. The decorations had already been changed the usual green and silver streamers for Slytherin now hung proudly, and behind the staff table loomed a massive banner with the serpent emblem.

Lucifer saw the looks Harry was receiving, they were all glares of hatred.... 'fordeduction' of too many points of Gryffindor.

They walked on opposite sides of Gryffindor's Table, with Lucifer having to sit between Hermione and Lavender Brown.

While Harry, sitting beside Katie Bell, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else, having to sit next to the sole reason Gryffindor lost the House Cup.

"You two didn't fight, did you?" Hermione whispered quite loudly, just ready to pounce on Lucifer, if he bullied the poor boy.

"Never, Hermione," he smiled at her.

For some reason, she was still suspicious, and couldn't believe properly his words of reassurance.

Most students outside Slytherin, however, were sick of the sight. From the day they'd started at Hogwarts, every single 'end-of-year' feast had looked exactly like this.

Seventh-years were beyond despair - it seemed they'd graduate without ever seeing a 'different House' win.

Moments later, Dumbledore arrived, and the noisy hall gradually quieted.

"Another year gone," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "Before we all tuck into this magnificent feast, I must ask you to endure an old man's rambling. What a year it's been! I'm sure you've all learned much. Now, ahead of you lies the summer holiday, but do remember---after the holiday, school will start again. So read a few books over the break, and don't let your clever 'little heads go empty."'

The young witches and wizards laughed good-naturedly.

When chuckles faded, Dumbledore continued, "Now, we must proceed with the awarding of the House Cup. The scores are as follows:

Gryffindor - 300 points.

Hufflepuff - 352 points.

Ravenclaw - 426 points.

Slytherin - 500 points."

The Slytherin table erupted in cheers, and even Snape was smiling. To everyone else, though, the sight was downright nauseating.

Lucifer could also feel pitiful eyes burning into his and Hermione's back as she bit into her toast, unpleasantly.

"Yes, well done, Slytherin," Dumbledore went on, "However, 'recent events' must also be taken into account."

Snape's smile froze, and the Slytherin table fell silent, a bad feeling settling over them. The whole room went dead silent.

"First, Miss Hermione Granger. She graced us with the most beautiful music of the year... And, for passing 'Devil's snare', using cool logic in the face of fire. For that, I award Gryffindor sixty points."

Gryffindor students whooped with joy. Slytherins, however, remained calm--the gap was still wide.

Hermione's face flushed bright red; she'd never earned so many points in one go.

She planted her face into Lucifer's chest and pulled him into a tight sidehug. He suspected she had started crying, so he kissed the top of her head.

She bent her head back and smiled sweetly at him and then hugged him with her face looking at the staff table.... It was really hard for her to concentrate after leaving....

"Second, Mr. Lucifer Morningstar. He played the finest game of chess Hogwarts has seen in years, but in damaging school property, taken account.... For that, I award Gryffindor forty points."

Ron went purple in the face and glared daggers at him. He looked like a radish with a bad sunburn.

The Weasley twins who were already dancing on the table, suddenly stopped mid-motion of their hands, as if they heard something wrong, and double checked if it wasn't Ron.

....He was not.

Percy shut his mouth, his plan of telling anyone within earshot that Ron was his brother the same Ron who'd conquered Professor McGonagall's giant chessboard, 'poof!'

It wasn't his younger brother.

"....." Ron. 

"....." Lucifer. 

"??" Even both Harry and Hermione, who were ever present, wearing composed faces broke into a crack, then stared at Headmaster Dumbledore with question mark on their faces. 'Could that even be considered as playing Chess?! Enemy pieces turned into dust!'

But Gryffindor's loud cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. 

Percy looked at Ron with a look of disappointment, not even able to use the one thing he's good at. Still, there was a hundred-point gap.

The Slytherins comforted themselves with that.

"Third, it's again Mr. Lucifer Morningstar."

At this, Dumbledore looked straight at Lucifer, and Gryffindor' students perked up in excitement, their eyes seemed to be bulging out of balls, and almost falling down on the Dining table itself.

Hermione had almost hurt her neck to look towards Dumbledore, she was so excited, emotions conveyed as if the girl had raised this boy herself, watching him being acknowledged, and rewarded.

"Mr. Morningstar...For his 'selfless' actions by putting his friends before himself at 'every' turn and displaying magical abilities never before seen in a First Year student since Hogwarts founding, As a reward, I have already presented him with 'my most precious treasure'. Therefore, no additional points will be awarded."

Lucifer wasn't surprised, Dumbledore had told him as much in headmaster's office. The rest of the hall, however, was clearly disappointed.

"Hey, what treasure?" Hermione tugged at his sleeve, whispering.

"You'll see when we get back. It's a surprise for you."

Her curiosity only grew, itching at her like an 'unscratchable spot.'

"Next, it will be Mr. Harry Potter."

The hall went utterly silent.

"For showing remarkable courage and bravery, I award Gryffindor one hundred points!"

The roar of cheers was deafening. Quick-minded students were already doing the math---and when they arrived at the result, their faces were almost incredulous.

They were tied with Slytherin!

The next moment, Lucifer heard an even more enormous uproar from Gryffindor's in cheer that was so deafening, anyone within a half mile of Hogwarts could probably hear it.

He had also calculated mentally that Gryffindor was now tied with Slytherin, alright? What did Dumbledore still have up his sleeve?

The person in question just waited for cheer to die out before continuing,

"There are all kinds of Courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much, if not more so to stand up to 'our friends.' That's why I award Ten Points, to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

Lucifer was now sure at this point anyone from the Ministry Office could hear the sound coming from Gryffindor's table. He tried to look for Neville, but he got buried under people congratulating him.

"We've done it - we're ahead!"

"We're the champions!"

Result, numerous faces lit with joy.

"Which means," Dumbledore called over the applause, for even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff joined in on the cheering for the downfall of Slytherin, "I believe a change in decoration is called for."

It said plenty about how disliked Slytherin was. The serpent banner morphed into a lion. Snape, ever the gentleman, shook Professor McGonagall's hand graciously--but also shot Dumbledore a 'discreet' glare.

Could the old man's favoritism be any more blatant? Still, this time Morningstar had outplayed them.

McGonagall and rest of the staff were baffled. From what they knew of Snape, he should have been livid right now... so why did he look 'even more pleased than' before?

"Wait a moment."

Just when everyone thought this dramatic back-and-forth over the House Cup had finally ended, Lucifer rose to his feet--His magically enhanced voice rang sharp and loud, making the entire hall's ears ring until they fell silent.

This time, it was Dumbledore's turn to feel a flicker of unease. Lucifer smiled faintly at the headmaster, then turned his gaze to Professor Snape.

"Professor," he asked, "has my paper been published yet?"

All eyes turned toward Severus Snape. It was only then that Snape rose to his feet, as though a sudden realization had struck him.

"Ah, yes, Morningstar. I almost forgot if you hadn't reminded me."

"Grading certain people's essays lately has been 'dulling' my mind," he drawled, letting his gaze deliberately linger on Harry and Neville for a few extra seconds.

"Severus... what paper is this?" Dumbledore asked, a flicker of unease crossing his face, though he pressed on with the question.

Snape reached into his robes and pulled out a piece of parchment he had clearly prepared in advance. Leaning past Professor McGonagall, he handed it to Dumbledore.

"Mr. Morningstar has been meticulously studying the art of Potions and has created an 'Active Substance Extraction Technique.' Not only can it significantly enhance the efficacy of potions, but it also reduces the consumption of raw ingredients."

Snape gave a low whistle and shook his head in apparent admiration, "A remarkable innovation. Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers has already verified the method, and just a few days ago, they published a special feature in their journal... They are also submitting Mr. Morningstar for the 'Silver Cauldron Medal' and inviting him to join the 'Association."

Britain had its Order of Merlin; the global 'high-tier' potioneers' organization had its own hierarchy of honors.

At the lowest level was Bronze Cauldron, above that Silver Cauldron, and finally the Gold Cauldron.

Lucifer's extraction method wasn't quite worthy of the Gold Cauldron, but it was more than enough for the Silver-putting him instantly on the same rank as 'Snape.'

That didn't mean Lucifer's overall potion-making skill equaled Snape's, but it did mean his contribution to the field matched 'the man's.'

When Snape finished, the room's focus shifted from him entirely, landing squarely on Lucifer.

"Professor, there's something I don't understand," Lucifer said with a playful blink, "You might have only just remembered this, but the journal publication... happened this school year, didn't it?"

Inside, Snape was almost giddy. For the first time in his life, he answered what he considered a stupid question with 'saintly' patience.

"Of course, Mr. Morningstar. The criteria aren't based on my memory, after all. Isn't that right, Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore had finished reading the parchment, there was deal agreed paper hidden beneath, a soft 'sigh' escaping him.

"This was our oversight, Severus."

Recovering swiftly, the headmaster smiled again, "I am proud to have a student like Mr. Morningstar at Hogwarts. He is fully deserving of a 'Special Award for Services to the School'.... And for that, as agreed upon between Professor Snape, and Mr. Morningstar, for the publication, I will award Gryffindor' seventy points, and.... Slytherin one hundred and thirty points."

The Philosopher's Stone business was over, and the hundred points he'd already given 'Harry' had been the limit.

It wasn't Harry's fault--- Lucifer Morningstar was simply too grudge holding, and 'exceptional'. Dumbledore accepted it without bitterness, he was the one who removed fifty points from Slytherin on purpose in the boy's name....

Now, as agreed which Gryffindor' instead should have gotten sixty percent as mentioned, now had been transferred additional fifty points from Lucifer's side, which in rightfully manner.... 'had always been Slytherin's'.

If he couldn't inspire Harry's courage and determination through 'points and competition', he would find another way. A loss was a loss. There was no shame in acknowledging it.

Still, this episode made Dumbledore realize he had underestimated Lucifer's sheer dominance---'You should not try to antagonise me. Not even you, Dumbledore. Not even a headmaster.'

Perhaps it was better to avoid such 'behind-the-scenes' manipulation in the future, especially noting with House Points, and would simply do with Gryffindor as his place.

Rather than stirring up trouble with Slytherin's deduction. The last thing he wanted was to create a savior while also cultivating another 'Dark Lord.'

"Splendid," Snape drawled, drawing out the syllables, "In that case, the Hall's decorations---"

"No need to trouble the Headmaster, I can handle it," Lucifer said, flicking his wand at Gryffindor table no less, the sheer bravery, courage, and recklessness it would have taken him to do, 'truly a Gryffindor'.

Both Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore thought the same thing.

The 'scarlet-and-gold' lions of Gryffindor appeared for only five fleeting minutes before being replaced by 'silver-and-green' serpents.

To the Gryffindor students, it was as though a massive emerald snake had opened its fanged jaws and swallowed the lion whole. They sat frozen, speechless.

The hard-won House Cup... gone.

The reaction in Slytherin was the exact opposite, pure-bloods abandoning all pretense of 'noble restraint, shouting themselves hoarse.' Malfoy even jumped onto a bench and wiggled his backside at Harry in triumph.

He could not stomach the idea of Gryffindor 'beating' Slytherin, much less because of Harry Potter!

Lucifer's last-minute stroke of genius had been like saving Draco's life.

At the high table, Snape extended his hand toward Professor McGonagall again---this time with an even brighter 'smile' than before.

Even with her usual composure, McGonagall's mood had been badly rattled by the dramatic reversal.

'Hiss-!'

Snape glanced at the three long scratch marks now adorning his hand.

"Sorry, Severus. I've been forgetting to trim my nails lately," McGonagall said with zero sincerity, before fixing her eyes on her empty plate as though it held some rare delicacy.

"Eat, 'children," Dumbledore said with a wave of his hand, "No one will try to 'misbehave' towards Mr. Morningstar, this reward was only brought to life due to a teacher and student's brilliance into 'Potions.... If any found guilty, there will be severe punishment. You have been warned."

The empty dishes filled instantly, a mirror of the welcoming feast at the start of term.

Slytherins ate with gusto, Eustace Burke, and Yorkshire Carrow, under Gryffindor' long nose, had taken up Lucifer from their table away, who didn't even resist and crossing the boundaries to-----

Slytherin's Dining Table.

"......"

Piling the best dishes in front of Lucifer until the food in front of him formed a 'smallmountain'. They raised goblets of pumpkin juice as though it were champagne, the sound of clinking glass filling the hall.

This might just be the first and last time a student from another house was invited to the feast of Slytherin's!

No one cared about what might happen in the future, everyone was too blissed to point such things at the given reputation saving situation.

Across the room, the other three Houses picked at their food like it was sawdust. Even Ron Weasley, who could normally devour five chicken legs in a sitting, stopped at three.

Lucifer could feel 'resentment-laden glares' from the Gryffindor table boring into his back, but he didn't care, "I scored 270 points for you lot, including 40 now, my total had reached 310 points, your fault to not maintain the score, and of course.... 'deductions."

'That' shut Gryffindor's boos right up.

Hermione Granger almost exploded on the spot when curses and betrayal words were stormed at Lucifer, but after this--- she instantly calmed down, remaining 'adorablycute', and passed him a sweet smile while going to sit to the opposite side, so she could directly face Slytherin's table, or more precisely at Lucifer being worshipped.

It was like, she herself was paying her own respects. His cruel statement left no doubt, Harry and Ron lost two hundred points, most of which were Lucifer and 'hers alone.'

Now, there were again stares at the two certain Gryffindor's, certainly again in limelight, but the atmosphere had totally changed, or even more so worsened than before entering the Great Hall.

Those who blamed their own failings on others would never be more than a nuisance to Lucifer.

He had Gryffindor friends who were worth his time beside Hermione--like Neville, Harry and the twins, with whom he often snuck into the kitchens for food and banter.

If anyone decided to cut ties over this, so be it. Not everyone was worthy of his friendship. The feast ended in that bittersweet split of triumph and dejection.

Back in the Slytherin common room, the celebration had only just begun.

Lucifer Morningstar was led through the dungeons.

"Pure-blood" was the password.

Several older students had slipped out to Hogsmeade, returning with arms full of drinks and snacks. In moments, the Slytherins's common room had transformed into a raucous party.

There was a large Snake's statue, with Salazar's portrait above the fireplace, hissing audibly with joy!~

"To our greatest hero-Morningstar!" Burke declared, raising his glass.

"To Morningstar!" voices echoed in unison.

The way they looked at Lucifer had changed. Before, they had respected his sheer strength; now, he had brought them 'glory!'

It didn't matter that it was only reputation, not tangible benefit.

Fanatically 'pure-blood Slytherins' thrived on this kind of prestige--using the House Cup as proof that a House of pure-bloods was stronger than one of half-bloods and Muggle-borns.

What's that? Lucifer's Muggle-born?

Impossible.

'Absolutely impossible.'

No Muggle-born child could be Sorted into Slytherin the moment the Sorting Hat touched their head. He must have an ancient, noble bloodline-'merely hidden' until it blazed forth in his generation.

And so, the "great scholars" of Slytherin rewrote reality to suit their pride.

Lucifer was the undisputed center of the party. After making his rounds to politely toast those who approached him, he slipped into a corner.

Daphne, flushed from a bit of drink, was curled up against Tracey's chest, quietly dozing.

The sky had somewhat darkened deep reddish hue, and he now finally got a proper look at the only real "feature" of Slytherin dorms---the view into the depths of the 'Black Lake.'

Lucifer's eyes marvelled up to the floor-to-ceiling glass. The moon's light filtered through dark water, now faint and eerie, but still enough to reveal several fish weaving leisurely among the lakeweed, completely carefree.

Suddenly, a massive shadow passed by. And when it vanished, the fish were gone too.

It was like a deja-vu.

Lucifer spotted a few thick tentacles lingering for a second. That shadow... was clearly the 'legendary Giant Squid.'

So much for being carefree. Not a good thing, apparently---those fish didn't even put up a struggle before becoming brunch once more.

History repeated itself, resemblance was very eery. Lucifer then simply put Squid aside and turned his attention to another prize.

The Philosopher's Stone.

----And, because he knew Dumbledore was destined to suffer a setback today, Lucifer had also deliberately opened the Dimensional Space during the evening feast so Grindelwald could see it.

The relationship between those two men 'was' complicated, Lucifer himself didn't know exact nature, and even after Soul-ownership, details of background history were enclosed in the deepest secrets, but watching Dumbledore's plans fail made Grindelwald as gleeful as a 'spoiled grandchild.'

His approval toward Lucifer skyrocketed.

It was past midnight before the merry crowd finally dispersed. Davis had already escorted her 'best friend' away to her dormitory who seemed to have drunk more than a few sips of butterbeer, while Bulstrode glared at Lucifer as he too was leaving from the enemy's territory.

Millicent Bulstrode didn't like him.

xxxxxx

Back at Gryffindor,

They separated "..." after a few long minutes, to go up their own dorms, and said "Goodnight, Hermione."

"Goodnight, Daddy," She smiled and went up the stairs.

Lucifer slept great that night, not thinking about what happened in that 'Chamber too much.'

xxxxxx

When the exam results were posted the following morning, Lucifer wasn't surprised that he Topped most of the Classes. 

Hermione gave him murderous glares, but she did beat him in 'Transfiguration andHerbology', but Neville got the top score in Herbology, he did say it was his favorite subject and completely acing it proved that. 

Harry and Ron both passed, but he did much better than his best friend, also thanking both Lucifer and Hermione for their help. 

Ron, who only passed barely after receiving notes from the Twins, he even had to sacrifice virginity for it. 

Experimented like a pig, for something called investment in their Joke shop. 

Very busy sulking at this point and feeling jealous that his best mate Harry, who wasn't including him with things.

Quiet topic....

Their wardrobes and the like were emptied, and were all down getting on the platform to board the train. 

The Heads of Houses were there as well, handing out notes to remind students to not use magic over the holidays. But, Lucifer felt McGonagall glancing at him, two times, while saying this, so he just tried his best to look innocent, a very good boy indeed. 

Hagrid led the students to Hogsmeade train station to board the Hogwarts Express for home.

Every face was lit with bright smiles. With two and a half months of vacation ahead, they could spend at least two of those free from the 'tyranny of homework'--enough time for an entire summer of joy. Diagon Alley, naturally, would become the most popular meeting spot for young witches and wizards.

To Lucifer's surprise, the twins greeted him with cheerful grins as if nothing had happened.

"Lucifer, want to hang out over the summer?" George asked.

Fred made a swinging-bat gesture, "You could come to our place and help with 'de-gnoming' the garden-relaxing and cathartic. That's how we honed our Beater skills. We invited Neville but he declined."

The twins were simple about it-so what if they'd lost? They'd lost plenty of times before. Lucifer hadn't used underhanded tricks to give the Cup away to Slytherins's; he'd done his best over the term, it was their fault to lose so many points, 'Slytherin won fair and square.'

Lucifer even publishing in the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers and earning honors, Snape was involved, no way all points would go to Gryffindor', it was simply related to Academics, and secondary being rewarded House points.

Unfortunately, people with that attitude were a minority. Most Gryffindors currently ranked Lucifer as "Public Enemy Number One."

Lucifer considered for a moment, then declined politely, "Over the summer... if it's Diagon Alley, sure-we could meet up. I could take you to the Muggle world to try some fresh food and fun. But going to your place? Better not.... If I remember right, it's in Devon?"

"We can get there through the Floo Network," George offered eagerly.

Fred kept egging him on, which instantly put Lucifer on alert. "What scheme are 'you two' plotting?"

The twins exchanged a glance, forced a laugh, and shook their heads far too quickly-radiating guilt. In truth, they just wanted home-field advantage to pull a few pranks on him.

They couldn't always be the ones on the losing end. Unfortunately, their overenthusiastic invitation had tipped him off.

Lucifer, now certain of their plan, decisively made his escape, however he was pulled in by Harry like a Seeker looking for Golden Snitch.

On the train ride home, with Rowena flying out beside the train with Hedwig, Lucifer, Hermione, Harry, and Ron all four were in a Compartment together for 'now', where he was debating on whether to use his Merlin ancestry to fool Hermione.

But, the said girl was already glancing at Lucifer's face with a distant look, easily noticed that he was nervous abou- "Hey, what's on your mind?"

Shs had already used 'Geminio' to make the copy of Occlumeny books, which Hermione stole from Lucifer's hands, and even got the permission from her Mum to pay a visit to Diagon Alley in the holidays, as most of the First years girls were instructed by Madam Pomfrey to learn Contraceptive charms to help with their monthly period.

Hermione was really amazed when she participated in that private lecture only for girls, didn't think, wizards also have invented stuff like this, very eager to learn new things.

Lucifer looked at her for a moment, "Well... I-I..." he found it incredibly hard to actually say. He looked at all of them, Hermione and Ron looked very intrigued.

But, there was another green-eyed child present very excited to just open his mouth, and gossip, "Oh come on, Lucifer is actually a descendant of Merlin!"

"Merlin?" Hermione asked, going wide-eyed.

"You're joking!" Ron yelled, getting excited, his sour mood all but forgotten for the given moment.

"Sshhh, Potter what the fuck?!" Lucifer yelled in a whisper, but Harry didn't seem to care at all.

"Now, it explains how you dealt with that Troll and Manticore... Merlin is regarded as the most powerful Wizard to ever live!" Hermione also started giving her explanation, finding it really incredible to be honest. 

"Wait, till I tell Mum, Dad, all of my brothers, and Ginny," Ron's smile had come back to his face again.

"But, it's not true!" Lucifer tried to stop them from understanding it wrong, "You must believe me!" Only, his loud crying just seemed like a way to prove his innocence, even though he's very guilty. 

It's obvious from their looks, Lucifer knew no one was going to believe him, "You don't have to be shy!"

"Indeed, for the first time, I agree with Ronald!"

Hearing these kinds of responses, Lucifer knew his Merlin life was going to be doomed. He then glared at Harry, to see if there was even a single ounce of regret on his face, but the infuriating boy just started to look outside the window. 

"..." Lucifer, felt like being scammed, a new 'first' experience. 

"It also explains why you did so well on most of the exams. But, I wonder why you didn't do better than me in Transfiguration though?" Hermione didn't forget, she has a rivalry going on with him. 

"My concentration broke during the transfiguration of the Mouse into a Snuff Box... and it ended up being turned into a vibrator....." Lucifer admitted with slightly reddened cheeks.

"....." Hermione was left speechless, after hearing such dangerous things. 

"??" "What's a vibrator? Is that a muggle thing?" 

This was Ron Weasely, a pure-blood, very confused, he looked towards Harry for an answer, but he also shook his head in denial. 

It made Hermione finally react, and she coughed twice, gaining everyone's curious look, "...Still, that means next year, you'll probably do the best on all Exams!"

Even gave him a cute smile at the end, but, Lucifer thought Hermione was also very sly, and directly changed the topic. 

"...Maybe," he also didn't pursue it any further, and stood up to decisively make his way towards compartment shepherded by Daphne Greengrass' alone, Hermione trotting after him.

Once settled, the three launched into a serious, meticulous discussion about Lucifer's summer schedule.

1 Extra Chapter - 200 Power Stone's!

___________

Author's Note

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