Disclaimer : I own nothing.
Chapter 34 : The return back home.
-Shin –
I woke up with girls surrounding me. Rias, Akeno, Sakuya, Kuroka and even Shion had somehow found their way onto my bed.
Shion would have never entered my bed without my permission, not that I would deny her but she is too faithful to do so. That said, last night we got drunk.
It was a party for our victory.
Hermione and Fleur got drunk as well.
I don't remember much, just that I was going to go to take some rest but was dragged to celebrate this.
Not that I minded, it was just that I wanted to take a nap.
The next thing I remember is today.
I looked towards Kuroka who was wrapped around my right leg and her head was extremely close to my member. The kimono couldn't keep up with her movements and was now on her waist so I was feeling quite a delectable softness on my right leg.
I put a hand on her head and scratched the back of her ears.
"Nyaaaa~~"
She really purrs like a cat.
To be honest, I would have taken the final step with her if we had been alone last night but we spent last night partying too much to care about anything else.
From what I can guess, it was probably their way to divert my mood and thoughts towards anything but the deaths of James and Alex.
It would have been weird if I had been Harry but I am not so I am actually fine with it.
The will reading though.
Let's see what was left in that will of his. It doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I already have control of wizarding Britain after our plan yesterday. The land will fall to me sooner or later that said. I will still pay a visit to the reading though.
If it was really the deed of Lily, then the will might be interesting.
"Good morning Shin." I heard a voice beside me and looked to see Rias waking up groggily. At the same time, Sakuya and Akeno also shook. Kuroka however just tightened her grip on me. I couldn't help but smile at the antics of the cat girl hugging me right now.
"I don't really remember how we ended up like this?" I said kissing the girls and getting up.
"I think Shion, Sakuya and Merlin helped us. Are you alright now Sakuya?" Akeno asked as she too got up trying to shake the hangover.
"Yes, Akeno-sama. Excuse me, I will get ready in a moment." I however pulled her back into the bed when she tried to get up and hugged her against my chest. Sakuya melted in the hug and laid there without saying anything, enjoying silence.
Hangovers and loud voices not getting along with each other might have had something to do with it as well.
We waited like that for a while and soon everyone got up to get ready when Kuroka finally decided that she was rested enough.
- Scene Change –
I sat inside the premises of Gringotts waiting for the reading of the Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter.
Rias accompanied me for this and so did Hermione and Fleur.
The incidents of yesterday were already the headlines all over the wizarding world. The reveal of the supposed dead Dark Lord was a nuke on Dumbledore's reputation. It single handedly cleared any doubts about my statements. The fact that the prophecy made me the only one who could possibly defeat him was an advantage I would keep to myself for now. No need to give up any advantage that I might have though. The incident actually outclassed the current terror of Voldemort completely because Dumbledore was someone who even Volde supposedly feared.
The amount of 'assumptions' that the wizards make is truly remarkable.
Luna however was quite happy this morning because she was reading the Quibbler at the breakfast table with a smile on her face while humming a song.
The Quibbler contained the 'details' of the investigation that the girls had conducted….which essentially amounted to the plans they wanted to let the world know.
I can say this with full confidence that the Prophet has nothing on this edition of Quibbler.
Another thing was the attack of 'Dumbledore' on me last night and his confessions….the act of repelling the Dark Lord Dumbledore and saving the people in the surrounding areas went to the now speculated spy who was uncovering all of the shady works of Dumbledore, the one who was recently called the budget version of Bellatrix, Hermione as well as the 'Saviour' (I scoffed at that one) of Britain, Lord Harrison Sirius Black. The press with some 'convincing' wrote about the actions that were taken by me and Hermione to prevent the reporters from being turned into cinders by Fiendfyre thus clearing all the previous stigma on Hermione's name.
The most surprising thing in all this was the ease with which everyone was buying all this.
The entire Diagon Alley looked towards me and Hermione as if we had sprouted white wings behind our back and had halos over our heads.
Wonder how they would react to the news that Angels could actually care less about what happened in the wizarding world.
I reached the steps of Gringotts to find Lily already waiting here.
Thankfully Rias took control of the situation. I honestly didn't want this drama here. I can understand her situation….it is just that I am not really obliged to be Harry. That said no use in wasting any potential recruits.
I don't know what was said between Rias and Lily but Lily is currently sitting just a few seats beside me, only taking a few looks towards me.
The only indication that something changed were the messages for perks from the Game.
Perk Gained
[Mother's Love] [Lily Potter – 50]
Increases Affection and Obedience gains with Mothers.
She has an Affection of 95.
I can somehow understand it because Harry is the only thing in the world left to her. The last straw tying her to this world….and maybe even sanity.
She looked like she wanted to hug me the moment she saw me but Rias walked up to her and talked to her this time. She nodded although I could see a small but noticeable smile on her face. Whatever it is that Rias told her, I guess that it raised her hopes.
The goblin in charge of reading the wills is the account manager of the Potter Accounts.
"Today, we will read the last will and testament of Lord James Charlus Potter. Any questions and/or objections will be kept till the will is read in its entirety."
The nods of the group would have meant nothing to the goblin if there hadn't been four people who could more or less tear apart this whole place by themselves. His eyes shifted towards us for barely a fraction of a second before he continued the reading.
"If this is being read then I guess I couldn't bring the dark wanker down and kicked the bucket for it, not that I deserve any worse."
The scant few people called in the will reading whispered a few things but nothing overtly noticeable here though.
"I have committed many mistakes in my life. I didn't recognize that my own son was possessed by that vile thing, I didn't recognize the sufferings of my other son for all these years, I didn't recognize the pleas of my wife when she wanted her son back. I can solely be blamed for all of this. For trusting the words of Dumbledore and ruining my family beyond repair. I have committed many crimes that would have landed me in Azkaban all to try and follow the orders of Dumbledore which include keeping my son Harry under the abusive relatives despite knowing that he was suffering, keeping my wife subdued using potions to prevent her from bringing Harry back when she was growing to restless, and concentrating more effort on my other son Alex because Dumbledore said that he needed to be loved….Now I realize how foolish those words were."
The people looked stunned beyond compare at the acceptance of the crime.
I took a sidelong glance towards Lily to see that she was completely stone-faced, not showing any reaction.
In a way I could appreciate that guts to sit there and not show any emotion.
Goes to show how broken she is right now.
"I have done many things in my foolishness….but I personally think that nothing will ever surpass my act of disowning my eldest Harry from my family. If you are present in this will reading, I sincerely apologise for this. I know that you want nothing to do with the Potter name or me but still….I name all of my properties and title as Lord Potter to my son….Harrison Sirius Black. I hope that it will serve you well and that the Potter name will flourish under your management unlike what mine did. Once more I just want to say….sorry."
While extremely short I did notice that it didn't say anything about me forgiving Lily or anything extra than what had actually happened. It did miss out on many details but I can put them under the fact that Lily probably didn't know about it either….and that is assuming that she did all of it this time.
So while unwilling, it did make me respect her a bit for not pleading to me through this will-reading here.
The other people grumbled a little though nothing excessive because they were actually hoping to get something from him but didn't get anything at all though.
I had to sign off some documents to accept whatever was left for me. No point in taking out any anger (I didn't have any though) on the money after all.
Rias had taken Lily and went on ahead to our home.
After a few words with Ragnok, I took the list of the vaults and properties under my control and inspected them.
We had decided before leaving home that Rias and the girls will take Lily home and explain everything to her. Absolutely everything, about me being a Devil, my engagement, Rias' identity, my current position in the True supernatural world and everything that has been going on there.
While I waited here and avoided the awkward reveals about me and took care of the business that we have in bank.
I wholeheartedly agreed to it almost instantly.
I am fine with manipulating people to stick to me but….this time….I somehow didn't want to do it. My memories of my own mother prevented me from doing it.
I guess that I am not becoming a complete monster.
- Rias –
Rias looked at the house where she had arrived with Hermione and ….her own mother-in-law.
The words felt strange to think about.
A few months ago she couldn't even imagine herself thinking such a thing….but now she actually felt elated at the thought of being married to Shin.
She smiled a little to herself at the realization.
Grimmauld Place looked much better than when she had first been here to destroy that horcrux. The darkness and gloom of this place was completely replaced by the decorations done by Fleur. She did have good taste in such things, Rias told herself.
"This place looks completely different from what I remember. Sirius used to hate this place because of the….well his past memories." Lily started to speak but her voice grew feeble as she continued speaking though.
She could understand the nervousness of this situation.
Shin wouldn't have made it any easier. For all his calm and cold exterior that he presents before others, Shin was surprisingly soft when it came to his loved ones.
She did notice that he never hesitated even once when they planned to take down the Potters….but when it came to Lily, his voice fluctuated a tiny bit. Maybe it was because he knew of the potions or maybe it was something else, Rias only knew that whatever it is that made Shin hesitant, will never become a cause of regret at any time in her beloved Shin's life. She didn't want to kill Lily only for Shin to later blame himself for it. Shin had enough of that already. Sirius and even that Cedric person were people whose deaths Shin blamed himself for.
Adding Lily to that list would have been a crime that she would never let happen. It was the main reason that she convinced Shin to give her a chance. It was the main reason that she gave her a chance.
When Shin had finally spoken about his thoughts about Lily a few days ago, Rias had felt that her choice was the right one.
Even if it wasn't, seeing the actions of Lily, Rias was assured that she would never do anything to harm her beloved Shin.
Maybe Shin didn't know how to act around her….to act like a child in front of a mother….but that didn't mean he didn't deserve this chance.
If it doesn't work out, then they can always be acquaintances and if she has any type of malicious intentions towards Shin….
"Sirius still lived here. It is also one of the reasons that Shin chose this place." She looked at the puzzled face of Lily at the new name.
"Harry changed his name to Shin before leaving this place….Harrison Sirius Black is the name which he really wanted to change to finally after escaping the clutches of Dumbledore, until then he was planning to keep on changing his name so as to not get caught in a farce like the Triwizard Tournament to drag him back. Shin Kageyami was the name he chose as a temporary name." Rias explained looking at the look of understanding flash in her eyes, followed by sadness, pride and a….hint of anger probably at Dumbledore for all this mess.
"That name is Japanese?"
"It is. Shin likes Japanese anime and wanted to use a name that no one will think of." Rias nodded as she walked into the hall.
Lily looked around the hall and at the people in the room.
Rias took her seat and showed Lily her own seat while Hermione and the others stood at the side.
Sakuya served the tea and Rias looked up as if asking for any questions.
"You call him Shin? I take it that he likes that name now." Lily smiled a little.
Rias had to suppress a smile of her own. "I would bet otherwise if I didn't see him smile every time he said how he chose this name. Did you know that it means….True Shadow of Darkness. A name that can be considered as childish by many people and the fact that makes him pout like a kid always." Rias finally giggled recalling the discussion on the said topic.
"True Shadow….Oh Merlin that is hilarious." Lily laughed, finally breaking the awkward atmosphere in place.
"It is indeed hilarious. That said, the amount of planning that he did to escape and hide….is truly remarkable for a man of his age. Then again Boss is anything but simple at all though."
Lily looked at the speaker and nodded, acknowledging her presence, "Yes, from the things that I have seen and heard about, I am quite proud of how well he has grown up to be." Her hands clenched a little, "I am only ashamed that I couldn't do anything to help in this however."
"Don't worry….boss doesn't really blame you though. Well….not after finding out after what really happened….a little resentment is something that will be completely understandable….he is after all only seventeen right now. You can't expect him to completely forget everything that has happened in his childhood."
Lily merely nodded at it.
Rias took this opportunity to introduce everyone.
"They are all in service to me or Shin. They are….well you already know Hermione and Fleur", Lily nodded so Rias continued, "the others here are Meredith," Meredith gave a nod, "Sakuya, she serves as a maid under Shin." Sakuya gave a polite bow, Lily looked a little surprised but nodded nonetheless, "Akeno", Akeno also bowed to her which was returned, "Kuroka and last but not the least….Merlin." she dropped the first bomb.
"Merlin!"
"Yes, Is there a problem?" Merlin smiled.
"Ah….I-I didn't know people still named their children Merlin in the wizarding world….with how famous Merlin was and all. I am sorry, I didn't mean to insult you….it is just that it is quite surprising."
Merlin however just waved it off. "Don't be. I like my name….also….I was named before the Merlin you know of, so it is fine." She smiled?
"Excuse me?"
"I am three thousand years old give or take, so I am older than the Merlin you know of. That means I was named before that."
Hah….Rias sighed to herself. Merlin always liked to play her pranks. It was like a more mature version of the sadistic Akeno.
Seeing the blank look on Lily's face, Rias took command of the situation.
"Umm….can I call you Lily for now?" Rias asked her.
Lily nodded absently, still looking at Merlin weirdly.
"Tell me….what do you know of the Supernatural world as a whole and not just the wizarding world."
Lily looked at her a little concentrated although she could see that she didn't comment about Merlin's statement.
"It contains several Magical species like" she eyes Fleur, "The Veela, Vampires, Werewolves and many more. There are also magical beasts such as Dragons, Unicorns and many others."
Rias nodded at this, "What about other magical Humans except wizards and witches?"
"You mean Squibs?"
"No ...other humans who can do magic? Have you heard about any?"
Lily looked at her strangely but then shook her head. "I don't think any such people exist."
Rias smiled at this. "What about Gods, Angels, Devils and Fallen Angels?"
Lily looked extremely confused as the conversation progressed but answered nonetheless, "I don't think they exist. At least I haven't heard of them living. I mean that sure I believe in Gods and such but….what is this about though?"
"Well Lily….your world is about to get much larger right now. The wizarding people are an extremely and I mean extremely isolated group of people who went into said isolation due to the Witch Hunts. These were carried out much before the Salem witch hunts too. The people of the Church were the ones who carried this out though. This led to the wizarding people isolating themselves and avoiding all contact with the other supernatural factions. They however never moved forward and still stuck to their old ways. As you can see the progress of these people."
Lily nodded at this.
"Well, let us start at the beginning though. How did wizards and witches come into being? To understand this, we will have to go back a little in time. When God cast Lucifer into the underworld," she saw the incredulous look of Lily and assured her, "believe me, by the time this explanation is complete, your world will change completely. Put that confusion aside for now and listen. Lucifer with the aid of Lilith created the 72 Pillars of the Underworld, I think you might have heard of it." Lily nodded. "God however apart from the Angels, also had the people of the church as followers. So Lucifer thought to make the same for himself. He took a large number of people and offered them power….a Devil's whisper if you will and those who accepted, were used in a ritual to give them magic similar to the Devils."
Lily was completely dazed.
"The ones in that group also gained some unique powers like shapeshifting or what you know as metamorphmagus or being able to talk to snakes or parseltongue. Then he tried the same on a large number of people even without their permission….however God had put a measure up for it and it didn't turn out as well as planned. They all had their beings altered but didn't gain any unique abilities except magic. This however was enough for the Church side to consider the altered humans as enemies and try to 'purge' them….and thus the witch hunts. This went on for a while till the magical humans decided to isolate themselves. The Great War had started and in it Lucifer along with the other Satans had perished….along with The Biblical God."
"WHAT!"
"Yes….we found about it recently but the Biblical God had been dead for a while. It is a secret though. Archangel Michael maintains God's system in Heaven. Anyways, there was a faction in the underworld who wanted to stop the war, too tired of the bloodshed and as usual another faction who didn't want it to stop, namely the descendants of the Satans who believed it was their right to rule over the world. This led to a civil war. The non-war faction won but the population of the devil race was reduced heavily. To overcome this problem, the newly crowned Satan Beelzebub made an invention. The Evil Pieces, artifacts that can transform any race except Gods and Buddhas into Devils. Every High Class devil was given a set similar to chess pieces to make peerages."
"Wait, hold on a second. I know I told you that you could explain whatever it is but….really. You don't really expect me to believe this….nonsense….whatever it is? Did you contact the Black madness too?"
Rias actually let herself smile at this….to have held this long during an explanation, still she had to explain everything to avoid any problems for Shin, so she continued on as she released her wings first completely stopping any words from Lily at once. "I can assure you that I am not speaking any nonsense. Gods, Angels, Devil and Fallen Angels….everything that you might have read in the stories….are very real. They might not be as you know of them….well not completely but that doesn't mean they don't exist."
Lily looked around the house as everyone had released their wings, her face completely white.
Rias finally started the real introduction. "Let me reintroduce myself. I am Rias Gremory, The Heiress of the House of Gremory, Ranked Duke. Along with me are Akeno, the queen of my peerage, Fleur and Hermione, my pawns. Merlin and Meredith are, however Shin's bishops."
"Harry….is he also?"
"Yes. Shin is also a Devil. He chose this when he was given the offer." Rias eyed the woman again before asking, "Why? Does that bother you? Do you think that he has gone dark?"
The woman in front of her breathed deeply before returning the glare back, "If he chose this himself, then I am fine with it….however….if I find out that he was coerced into it….in any way….I will find a way to make anyone involved in it pay dearly….no matter who they are."
Rias stared at the woman in deep concentration before smiling truly for the first time in the conversation.
"Then we are in an agreement. I am surprised that you are so calm about all this."
She sighed before answering, "I have already lost everything except my son by listening to and caring about others' opinions and biases. I only have my baby left in this world. It doesn't matter if he becomes a Devil or a demon, I will love him regardless."
"In that case, I welcome you to the family Mother." Rias got up and walked to the woman and hugged her for the first time.
There was hope in this relationship now.
- Grayfia –
Grayfia looked around the place that she had teleported to.
The house looked pretty ordinary if not warded to the high heavens with wards that she couldn't even figure out the use for. She wasn't sure how long it would take her to break in if she had to do such a thing though.
Thankfully, she wasn't here to attack anyone or intrude without permission.
She rang the doorbell and waited as the door was soon answered by a blonde girl. A Veela-Devil hybrid. She must be that Fleur girl that Rias has recruited in her peerage. Grayfia looked over the girl for a moment and noticed the bracelet on her wrist. So the Mid Class Devil strength is not something she could trust.
Really this invention was both useful and troublesome. Still if she showed Mid class strength then it was safe to assume that it was more than that. A High Class level strength is quite decent for someone of her age too.
"I am Grayfia Lucifuge, maid in service to Sirzechs Lucifer. May I have a meeting with Lady Rias or Lord Shin if they are inside now?"
"Ah, yes. Please come inside. I am Fleur Delacour, Pawn of Rias Gremory, nice to meet you. Lady Rias is inside, please come in."
Grayfia watched her again for a moment before deciding to walk in though she did point out something. "Thank you. Although aren't you doubtful that I could be someone else that who I claim to be?" she asked somewhat stoically.
The response however was simply a giggle.
"I know the wards of this house. I know what they are capable of and how much they can handle. It wouldn't matter even if it were Jibril going all out here." That quite heavily assured Grayfia. That Angel/Flügel was someone whose strength Grayfia could recognize, not to mention both Rias and Shin are more than strong enough to kill someone even at Satan class with decent planning and cooperation. However the girl continued, "Also, you look like Sakuya just as I had heard. It was surprising to see for myself though."
Grayfia smiled at that.
She did like Sakuya. It felt like having a sibling again. Her relationship with Euclid….had not been good….well saying that would be the understatement of the year. This however had left her wondering what it would have been like if she had a little sister instead.
Sakuya was surprisingly similar to what Grayfia had imagined a little sister to be like. She could see why both Sirzechs and Serafall dote so much on Rias and Sona.
Sakuya remains so serious all the time but she had seen her peeking at Shin and that crush couldn't be any more obvious. It was adorable to see.
Thankfully Rias seemed to know and accept this as well. She is happy for her little sister.
She walked into the living room following the girl while thinking about why she came here.
The room had Rias and the members of both her and Shin's peerage along with a couple of new faces.
"Grayfia, come in. I didn't know that you were going to come. Is something the matter?" Rias asked her as she looked back from her conversation with another woman. The said woman looked towards her and Grayfia took a moment to recognize who she was from the information Serafall had collected about Shin.
"Yes. Lord Sirzechs has requested the two of you to return. The peace conference will be taking place soon and both you and Lord Shin are required to present your report about the Kokabiel incident along with Lady Sona. There will be other parties who wish to meet Lord Shin and discuss a few matters."
"When are we being called back?" Rias asked with a serious look which made Grayfia smile internally seeing her grow this much.
"The conference will be held three days from now. The meeting will be held a day from now at your house in Kuoh town. It will be best if you all arrive by tomorrow at the latest."
"Hmm tomorrow….I take it that they are rushing the conference to bypass any rebels who are against it. This person we are going to meet, are they from the four factions currently in the alliance or are they someone new?"
"They are someone brought in by Lord Azazel for a possible alliance but wish to meet Lord Shin before the peace conference."
Rias seemed to be in thought while the other woman interrupted. "Why would they want to meet Harry….I mean Shin? It is not anything dangerous, is it?"
Grayfia looked at the woman for a few moments. She knew about her situation and somewhere in her heart she could even pity the woman….but she was here for her duty. If Rias and Shin wanted her here, they must have something in mind. Thus she answered, "I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to lay even a finger on Lord Shin as he is right now. That includes the leaders of the factions. Notwithstanding the relationship of Lady Rias and Lord Shin, Lord Shin himself is more than important enough for the alliance for anyone to harm him. It would put the offending party as the target of all the Biblical and Shinto Pantheon. You do not need to be afraid for his safety."
"Why would Ha….Shin be so important though?" she asked, looking at Rias.
Rias looked a little sheepish while answering her unasked question, "I was just explaining to her about us."
She nodded before explaining properly, "Lady Rias is the Heiress of the House of Gremory as well as the younger sister of the current Satan Sirzechs Lucifer. Any attack on her or her fiancé will be considered as an act of war against the entire Devil Faction." She looked towards the slack jawed woman and in her heart compared her to the boy….no man who had the same eyes as her. Shin never once showed subservience towards anyone. Politeness and humility maybe….but there was never a trace of subservience in those eyes.
It was always confident, even when he had talked down the leaders of Heaven as if they were snot nosed ill-mannered children or when he chased out the God of the Dead back away with mere words.
That said maybe his position and personal strength also played a big part in it all.
This however was not known by anyone among the wizarding world….or they wouldn't have dared to behave as they had towards Shin.
Just as they were discussing this, the fireplace flashed with green and Shin stepped or rather stumbled out of it.
"I swear, whoever made this transport method had something against me."
"According to my analysis, it is the same for anyone with potent magical energy." Merlin spoke up.
"So basically almost everyone in the room. Maybe it is a ploy of these idiots to kill off anyone who can become strong enough through accidents." Grayfia smiled a little at that. "Hello Grayfia. Welcome, do you like our home here?"
"The place is well managed Lord Shin." It could use some work though.
"That it is. I am thinking about getting it redecorated completely. Sirius didn't like the place because it was too dark and gloomy for his tastes and although Fleur did an incredible job at improving it, I plan to have this place completely redone. This will be our main place of residence in Britain."
"That is a wise decision."
"We are being called back for the Peace Conference which will be held in three days. Azazel is bringing someone to meet you in a day." Rias explained.
"Hmm….okay. We were done with this place as it stands. I was missing home as well." He looked towards the others, "Does anyone have anything else to do in this place? ….well then we can return tonight. I will get Luna before we leave. She has been spending some time with her father that said, she has decided that she will be returning with us back home too. Is there something else that we should know Grayfia?"
Grayfia was quite impressed with the amount of authority he had over the people. No one so much as twitched an eyebrow at the simply given orders.
"Yes. The meeting will probably be a chance for an alliance with the Norse. Lord Sirzechs and Lady Serafall have decided to let you handle it as you would like."
He looked to be in thought for a moment then answered.
"If it is Azazel bringing the other person, then we can confirm that it is not someone who is prone to cause trouble….violent trouble. Then it is probably one among the friendlier Gods….or based on Azazel's preference, perverted ones. So I think it is probably Odin or Thor. I will see what we can do."
It was only Grayfia's experience of centuries that prevented her lips from twitching….maybe also the fact that he guessed it correctly.
The deal with the Norse was already set and the Satans wanted to see how he did in the meeting without any prior information about his target. Maybe next time they should just try and send him in blind. He is too much like Ajuka to fall for these things.
"In that case, I will inform them."
Shin looked towards Sakuya, "Did you leave Shion alone in the kitchen?" Sakuya nodded slightly and Grayfia wondered who this Shion is. "Please see that she doesn't end up making a biological weapon by mistake. Take Grayfia with you, I know the two of you want to catch up." And then he smiled at her.
Grayfia nodded in thanks and followed Sakuya.
- Shin –
I came back to the Grimmauld Place expecting to see Lily. I had purposely delayed the arrival time a little to give Rias enough time to explain everything to her but I didn't expect Grayfia to arrive. I do hope Rias has explained everything to her. Although a meeting with the Norse Faction will be something welcome.
I just hope that that bastard Loki doesn't cause trouble here. Kokabiel was more than annoying as well. I will probably throw this bastard inside an ID and exit the ID trapping him inside the ID forever.
Anyways, looking at the matter at hand, I looked towards Lily who was still standing in her place but the look in her eyes were more than enough to tell me about her emotions though.
"I guess that Rias has already told you about everything." I asked to check it once.
She nodded.
"Then you understand my current situation. It is not something I am unhappy with though."
She nodded again.
I sighed before continuing, "I….don't blame you. We found Dumbledore and ….extracted some information from him and thus I know that you were under potions and before than compulsions and under the impression that it was the only way to protect me." She nodded again but didn't speak a word. "I am coming to terms with it. It is hard to suddenly accept this change….I am willing to give it a try but I don't think I can do it right now. See this from my point of view." I hurriedly added when she looked like she could cry at that moment. This is why I wanted to avoid it. "I didn't….don't know what it is like to have a mother as far back as I can recall in this world." Technically not a lie, I raise a hand to stop her from apologizing or speaking for that matter too. "I don't blame you for it. The one who needs to be blamed is in the dungeon right now." Her eyes widened. "I am just overwhelmed by all of this right now. I am willing to start off as acquaintances and then proceed from there. It is the best I can do for now. I hope you will understand this."
She nodded once more and I stepped up to her and gave her a light hug.
It was as if all the dams had broken and she broke down while hugging me tightly while muttering 'sorry' over and over again.
I sighed inwardly again.
Maybe I will count this as one good deed of the year or something. She has been through a lot as well.
Dumbles was rather forthcoming after Merlin worked her magic and I had completely neglected the possibility of any tampering before the potions. I had assumed that she only started resisting due to her guilt or something. It was kinda sad….that said nothing new in this world though.
It is not….and will not be the only tragedy in the whole world. We simply react to the tragedies of the so-called main characters because they are shown most of the time in the story and it makes us feel connected to them on a certain level.
If we see the overall world, then there are more than enough people with worse sob stories in it….we just don't care enough to look though.
What we tend to often forget is that not every Cinderella has a fairy Godmother….and that the world doesn't owe anything to people with less privileged lives. We cannot care for every one of them either.
- Scene Change –
The face of Grayfia was worth looking at when she came out of the kitchen. Apparently she met Shion while she was cooking.
Ah, I pitied her sanity at that moment.
She soon left after telling her about the said meeting's time. I did notice that she and Sakuya got along quite well though.
After Lily calmed down, we had a simple talk and she was quite accepting of me having my own space.
I can accept that.
Then she asked about Dumbledore and honestly I was getting Hermione vibes from her at the moment.
Who am I to stand in between a woman and her target of revenge, when I could care less if the old coot bites the dust at any moment?
I simply pointed her towards the dungeon.
Hermione decided to wait here for a while with Fleur. She will take care of the Wizarding world while we are at Home. She will return after a few days though.
The people here are in chaos right now and need someone as a pillar or support and I am totally willing to shove that pilla….I mean lend that pillar of support to them.
Fleur was fine with managing the place and she decided to hire Penelope and train her to manage things under her.
That brought us to something else that needed to be taken care of.
Grayfia had decided to stay for the day so she was in one of the rooms with Sakuya.
Sakuya got along with her quite well.
In fact, apart from me and probably Rias, I can only think of Grayfia as someone who has gotten Sakuya to completely open up to her.
She still held some reservations with the others….however little it may be.
Thankfully both of them were catching up inside the room. I wonder what she would think of the little operation here.
"Fleur, you will take care of the public appearances of Shin in this place using Gaea Foundation. Make sure that Hermione has a few more skirmishes here and there under the public against Dark Lord Dumbledore. Finally use Shin's disguise to finish the job and then submit the prophecy orb to the Department of Mysteries. It should more or less solve the issue permanently. Use all this time to make alliances and establish the position in the Wizarding world. If the other supernatural faction finds any gaps, they will try to find a way in, especially after Shin's business picks up. Do not leave any such holes." Rias gave the final decision.
Fleur seemed to be in a little thought before she spoke, "May I suggest something?"
"Hmm."
"I know that Shin's potions can cure all kinds of damage and even diseases….so is it possible to heal the Longbottoms? With the two of them back, they will even support Shin as well as put a leash on Augusta. According to what I have gathered, Frank Longbottom was quite an honourable person. It will also help establish a positive reputation with the people and I think Alice Longbottom was also named Shin's godmother. It will make them in debt to Shin and thus support him as the head of the alliance rather than try to drag him down. Also with Frank back in action, the Wizengamot will have the light faction under him and by association with us. Thus we will have control over all three factions while the people will think that it is their….choice. At least until we have full control of everyone."
"The light faction doesn't really exist anymore….that said there are still people who will not support Shin merely due to their damned egos. If Frank Longbottom stands there as a 'choice' for those people, then it is fine. In that case we will have to review our alliance with the Longbottoms until we attain our objective."
"Anything else that we need to do before leaving?"
"Ronald Weasley's location has been found. Want me to bring him in?" Fleur asked Hermione who merely nodded. It was really unnerving how she showed absolutely no emotion at all.
"Then bring him back. I intend to finish whatever is left to do in this place before we leave. What are you doing Shin?" Rias asked me to finish the discussion first.
"Hmm, I am asking Azazel who is coming to meet and what I should expect. Turns out it is kinda a test for me because he was being evasive. Well whatever."
"You think there will be a problem?"
"The one arriving will probably not cause any problem….though the meeting if leaked might always have other problems. There are always idiots who are allergic to peace. Oh! Gabriel wants to establish an outpost of Heaven in or near our territory for communication. The others think that it might be a good idea to send some people to the place as well from each faction. More talks on this matter will be held after the conference though. I guess I should try to go back before Jibril finds out about it and decides to attack Heaven or something."
"….the fact that I cannot laugh it off as a joke is something that disturbs me a lot." Rias said while thinking. "What do you think about the outpost idea?"
"Hmm….well we will just have to watch and see." I checked Gabriel's Affection and Obedience numbers which were obscenely high towards me. "I personally don't think that Gabriel means anything bad. Maybe it is a way to foster some connections between the future of the factions. With you and Sona being related to the Satans and whoever she brings will definitely be someone with a bright future in the church, I don't think she intends anything bad with this though. I wonder who they will send."
"The last people we arrived to meet didn't fill my heart with much confidence about such things though."
I simply smiled though.
"Then Fleur, will you be bringing the last targets in?"
Fleur nodded.
With Dumbledore declared as a Dark Lord, the Weasleys had been declared as prime suspects. The revelations of Percy made both mother and son criminals and although they previously would have gotten off scot-free because of being a pureblood, now though….trying to do that to the up and coming prodigy who had battled a Dark Lord to a standstill and saved many lives, they are more or less public enemies of wizarding Britain.
Even if they were to disappear, no one would care a single bit.
As Fleur teleported away in a magic circle, Lily entered the room.
"Who are the targets this time? she asked.
"Ronald and Molly Weasley. I think you have already heard in Percy's confession of the things that they have done." She nodded, "That was not even a part of the whole. They have a lot to answer for now."
She looked towards Hermione and apologized but the girl didn't show any emotion.
For a moment I was actually tempted to ask just what the fuck they had done. I know that her virginity was preserved to use in the ritual….but somewhere in my heart I knew better.
If she heals after taking out her anger on those two, then I am fine with it. If not, then I will intervene myself.
"Did you have a good talk with Dumbledore?" asked Akeno from the side.
They had been waiting for their chances on the bastard after Lily paid her visit.
"He fainted."
….
"You can use the potions we have in stock Mother. Shin is one of the best Alchemists in the world right now….if not the absolute best."
The casual discussion about torturing being a bonding experience….I hope I am not the only one who realizes all matters of wrong in this situation.
She turned towards me and smiled. It was still a little strange but at least she was keeping a certain distance and not trying to intrude in my space.
I can live with this.
I looked towards Rias….she smiled too.
Hah….the things that I do for love.
- Lily –
Lily turned around in her bed as she tried to sleep….but sleep evaded her completely.
She thought over what she had learned today.
The world outside her own. It was like she was back to the age of eleven again but this time instead of an older McGonagall, a young red haired and turquoise eyed girl was giving her the introduction to this world.
A world which unlike the last time filled her with a sense of dread because at her age….and with her current experiences, she knew….or rather could imagine the dangers such a world held to her and….and her son.
Devil. Her baby boy had to become a literal Devil to escape the clutches of the wizarding world.
She half laughed and half cried not knowing what to feel about it.
Then again hating Harry….no….that name only brought bad memories to her….it was Shin now. He had decided to start anew….after everything that had happened to him, she couldn't blame him. The best she could do now was to support him. Merlin knows how much she has failed her children.
Both of them….she didn't even know when Alex had died. Was the one who stayed with them all this while even Alex or….was it Voldemort all along?
Was it the effect of the soul inside his head that had turned her child into….THAT….or was it just the upbringing? She would probably never find out about it.
This time however she would do anything to not fail her child.
Making a deal with the devil if need be.
Then calling them dark….would be pot calling kettle black after all they had been the ones to create the wizards.
The good thing however was that Shin now had someone who genuinely cared about him. She had seen the look in Rias' eyes….she was ready to do anything to keep him from getting hurt at all.
She stood up and walked towards the kitchen. Some water would do her good.
As she opened the door and walked into the hall, she saw another person in the hall.
It was the maid who had arrived earlier in the morning.
"….Grayfia right?"
She looked towards her and then nodded.
"May I take a seat."
"Hmm Please do Lady….Potter?" she asked a little hesitant.
Lily didn't mind it though, "As much as I wanted to get rid of the title, the divorce case didn't pass in the court officially before that man died so I am stuck with it until Harr….Shin takes the title and offers it to his wife."
Grayfia nodded.
"Lady Rias however will have to use the Gremory name. I can, however see others using that title. I believe Lady Rias is already known here as Lady Black from what I have gathered."
"Others?"
Grayfia looked towards her and after a moment answered, "Devils are different from humans. Each devil has sins that they are more aligned to. When a person of another race is turned into a devil, the demonic power turns the core aspects of that person into one or more of the sins that they can relate to or are more prevalent to. A greedy person or a possessive person will find their greed enhanced and even envy manifest much stronger than before. A person craving for acknowledgement and success finds themselves manifest Greed. A person craving more affection might find themselves manifesting Lust as their sin. The Devils are then needed to indulge in their sin to keep their demonic nature satiated."
Lily looked towards her in a look of wonder as her mind caught up to the meaning of the sentence.
She had only mentioned two types of sins manifesting inside a person and their conditions….both of which matched her son to a disturbingly high degree.
"Is it a danger for the person?"
"Not really. There have been some who simply revel in their sins and do unspeakable things….most of the Old Satan faction were examples of that. This however is true even for the humans and the other races except Angels too. This is why Devils often provide their children ways to indulge in their sins in non-harmful ways. People with greed can gamble and do other such things whereas having harems is very common among the underworld.`` She looked part amazed and part shocked towards the silver haired woman in front of her who continued, "This keeps them satiated." She then looked towards her and answered her unasked question, "As for Lord Shin….he is….very strong….both magically and mentally. I have to honestly say that if it had been me in that situation, I would have broken down….same with most of the people I know. Lord Shin will not be falling to his sins at all and especially with Lady Rias looking after him. She had even encouraged Lord Shin to have relationships with other girls whom they can trust. It is both to help him out and prevent other….unwanted women trying to latch onto Lord Shin."
"I-Is this really normal? I….I mean I am probably shocked due to my upbringing and cultural gap but still….can a girl still accept it so easily?"
"The nature of Devils makes it easier to accept. We are more receptive to what people would consider sinful. That said there are still some people among devils who enjoy monogamy. It completely depends on the people and as long as they are unharmed, no one really intervenes. I myself am one of those."
Lily saw her smile which was full of love at the memory of her husband perhaps.
"Your Husband must be a lucky man to have someone like you as his wife."
She shook her life however and replied, "No….I am the lucky one. Sirzechs stood for me when I was at a critical point in my life….and even against many of the old devils in the underworld, still took me as his wife and gave me a family. I am the lucky one to have him as my husband and Milicas as my son."
Lily smiled a little until she recalled something and froze completely.
"Sirzechs? ….Isn't that the name of the current Lucifer and Rias' elder brother?"
"Yes. Sirzechs Lucifer is my husband and Rias is my sister-in-law."
That statement or rather that bomb took her a few moments to recover from. She was sitting beside the wife of 'THE DEVIL' and talking so casually and then she thought of something, "then why?"
"This maid duty?"
Lily merely nodded, right now not trusting her voice.
"I am from the House of Lucifuge who were actually the servants of the previous Lucifer. In the civil war, I fought on Sirzechs' side against my own family. Later on to take the work of my family as the last person left, I decided to serve the new Lucifer, showing the support of the House of Lucifuge to the new Satans."
"It….it's a lot to take in. I guess there was politics involved."
Grayfia merely nodded though.
Lily found herself respecting the said woman a little bit more now.
The person who could be the First Lady equivalent of the Devils was working as a maid for her own husband to support him in his work now. It was something that required a great deal of courage and mental strength to do.
"If it isn't too much to ask, can you tell me something about Shin….I wish to know more about what he does and how he is in this new life."
Grayfia merely smiled a little, "Do you drink Lady Potter?" and walked towards the cabinet and brought out a bottle of wine.
Lily smiled, "Please call me Lily and sure I love to drink once in a while."
The two women talked over the glass of wine through the night.
Lily would later find herself in her own room, tucked up in her bed.
Grayfia would find herself in Sakuya's room in the same position and the owner of the room would be mysteriously absent from the room and sleeping in her Master/ Lover's room the next morning.
_x_x_
Beta Reader: LuluViBritania(FF.N, SB and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th BritannianEmperor(Discord)
Author's Note :
Whew, this chapter marks the end of the wizarding world shit. I will probably add a section where Hermione finally gets her revenge and we will be back to the DxD side.
I have been missing it too.
This chapter was used to add whatever I could to relate the two factions and a general idea about what happened to whom.
I got too many requests about Lily so here she is, with a chance to repent.
Rias had all along been thinking about Shin's mental health….which while not completely true was not completely wrong either. I have stated that Shin was actually missing his family from his previous life. So in a way this relationship might provide him with a way to confront those feelings and maybe get over it.
I will do the Peace Conference before the world jump.
I do have a few surprises for this though.
We will be getting one of my favourite characters, Rossweisse soon.
I am pretty excited about it.
Anyways, Fleur will keep the wizarding world under control until the takeover is complete.
As for the end of Dumbles, that will be up in the next chapter along with the upcoming meeting with Odin.
The last part was something that I had been intending to write for a while.
I had noticed that among the Devil's side, I hadn't written any Grayfia pov so this was to show us what Grayfia thought about it all.
I hope to develop the characters a little more.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Good Day, Peace Out.