Deal With the Devil

Chapter 7. Deal With the Devil

Lily flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.

It was the first weekend after she became a professor, and she decided it was time to meet Alice and have a proper reunion.

She navigated through the bustling pub, moving towards the booth where her friend was seated.

Unlike her first appearance, people didn't freeze and gape. Though they did steal glances, not knowing what to make of her.

Apparently, the absence of the Black Tower's return was enough proof that she wasn't planning a massacre. Unfortunately, the years-long, deeply rooted fear wouldn't go away in just a month.

The majority of the public remained tentatively suspicious, but the negative reputation was slowly dwindling. She'd give it another decade at most before the people abandoned the idea that she was ever a demon summoner.

Alice got up and embraced her.

Lily smiled, returning the gesture.

As they sat down, Tom came to get their orders and quickly returned with their drinks.

Once he scurried away, Alice put up a privacy charm and sent her a mild glare. "Now that I'm done welcoming you back, I can ask you the most important question. Why didn't you contact me after running to the muggle world?"

Lily picked up her mug and took a sip of the whiskey, thinking about how to answer that without offending her best friend. Then she realised it wasn't possible without adding lies, so she decided to tell the truth. "I was afraid of getting betrayed again."

Alice's eyes narrowed, and she leant forward on her elbows. "Are you saying you don't trust me?"

She simply shrugged, leaning back in the seat and getting comfortable. "My husband betrayed me. My favourite professor, who was almost like a grandfather to me, brought the Dark Lord to my door. Even Severus, who I thought was smitten with me, participated in this gambit, risking my life. Are you saying I shouldn't have worried about getting shanked in the back by a friend after all that?"

Alice scrunched her nose and crossed her arms, knowing she couldn't argue with that. "Fine, I get it. You make a good point. But don't compare me with them. I'd rather die than be seen in a similar light to Potter."

"I just wanted you to see it from my point of view. But I'm sorry for everything you had to go through due to James' fake prophecy. Frank was a good man."

Her friend's face softened, and she sighed. "It's alright. You're just as much of a victim as me. I'm sorry you had to sacrifice so much. I can't imagine losing my magic and practically becoming a squib."

Lily nodded, taking another sip before looking at her, not mentioning that she wasn't as magicless as everyone thought. "I'll sacrifice all of it again for Harry. And I figure you'd do the same for your son."

"Without hesitation." Alice smiled sharply.

The next ten minutes went by as they talked about what they had done in the last decade.

"The Anti-Demon Squad? James seems to be giving it his all. I have to respect that even if I want to break his jaw every time I see him." Lily commented after Alice told her about the various changes in the Ministry and the Wizarding World.

As Lena had bragged during their trip to Diagon Alley, James really was changing the country single-handedly. Many cruel and unfair laws had been abolished, granting the muggleborns and the half-bloods equal rights and opportunities. Some of the old families had cried and screamed, saying it was blatant destruction of their culture. But James' and Dumbledore's combined might and influence had bulldozed through their protests.

The corruption and misuse of power had also been hammered away by his merciless governance, making the bureaucracy less of a labyrinth than it was before. Of course, if he wasn't such a massively popular figure in the first place, then he'd have already been killed for the drastic changes. But 'contributing' to the death of the Dark Lord and locking up every Death Eater in Azkaban had won him the admiration and loyalty of the people. Which then allowed him to become the Minister. Obviously, there must've been many assassination attempts. But James had somehow survived and prospered.

Without a doubt, James was the most powerful wizard in the country, at least in terms of the sheer influence he possessed. And she couldn't say he didn't deserve it. Because his view of the betterment of all, even at the price of his own personal interests, made him the best candidate for the position of leader of the country.

But that very view had made him risk her and Harry's lives in a bid to kill the Dark Lord, so she couldn't find it in herself to feel too proud of his accomplishments.

"I thought the same. That's why I accepted the role of leading the Anti-Demon Squad at his request. The massacre of Hogsmeade was bad, very bad. And if I can prevent another massacre at the hands of demons, then I'll happily ignore the grudge between us." Alice revealed somberly, surprising her.

"You work in the Ministry? Things really have changed. To think that the laziest girl in Hogwarts is working without needing my morning kick." Lily smiled wistfully, remembering the days when they shared a dorm.

Alice rolled her eyes. "I was a kid back then."

"Yes, and we aren't kids anymore," she added with a bitter smile, missing the days when she could remain carefree, when she could goof around with the Marauders and her friends. Now, most of them were estranged and didn't talk to one another. Though she wasn't sure what happened to Sirius and Remus.

So she asked about them.

"As you know, Peter is in Azkaban for obvious reasons. Sirius, on the other hand, had a big fight with Potter and left the country. It's just an assumption, but I think Sirius hated the use of the fake prophecy that risked your and Harry's lives. As for Remus, he simply works in the Ministry under Potter, unshakably loyal since he made better laws and improved living conditions for the werewolves," Alice said.

Lily felt bad for Sirius. She had even humoured the idea of contacting him while in exile, but the fear of getting betrayed again had held her back. "Where is Sirius now?"

That question brought a smirk to Alice's face. "He's touring the world and sleeping around with 'exotic foreign girls'. His words, not mine. I wasn't even surprised. What else would you expect from him?"

…

It seemed she didn't have to feel too bad. Sirius was still a manchild, chasing skirts and wasting his family's gold with glee, thoroughly enjoying his life. Though that reminded her of the main intrigue that brought her here. "I see. If he's away, then who's managing the Black family?"

"Narcissa Black. You must have already met her. She works at Hogwarts as a Defence teacher."

"Yep, she's a real bitch," Lily muttered under her breath.

The raising of Alice's eyebrows was the only indication that she heard it, but instead of asking what happened, she continued. "After the fall of Voldemort, Lucius was thrown into Azkaban. Deciding to cut her losses, she abandoned him and begged Sirius to take her back in the Black Family. I don't know why he took her in when he didn't even like her back in the day, but knowing Sirius, she must have bedded him to make him mellow."

Lily blinked slowly and regarded her with an amused stare. "Is that really what happened or are you just spinning wild, controversial tales?"

"Do you really think Sirius would've been able to restrain himself if she dropped her clothes and offered sex? You're deluding yourself if you think he didn't fuck his hot cousin when he had the power over her." Alice retorted.

It was weird that she couldn't shoot down her friend's ridiculous theory. Sirius would fuck any girl who looked decent enough. And them being cousins wouldn't be too big a hurdle for him. That man was led by his cock, more often than not.

She facepalmed. Why was she wasting her energy thinking about Sirius' debauchery?

Shaking her head, she focused on the important bit. "What about Andromeda? Why didn't Sirius give her the responsibility to take care of the Black family's affairs? Wasn't she his favourite cousin? Why Narcissa?"

"Probably because Andromeda had self-respect and wouldn't sleep with him?"

"Alice," Lily groaned, "for the fuck's sake, give me something more than 'Sirius is a shameless manwhore'."

"Well, maybe Andromeda didn't want to bother with the Black family. She did run away from the inbreds for a reason. Why would she damage her brain cells by coming back?" She offered an alternate option.

Lily nodded, finding it more believable. Maybe Narcissa was given the responsibility because she was the sole member remaining of the once prestigious family. And Sirius, wanting to dump his responsibilities, must have found her acceptable enough.

"Do you know what her agenda is? Is it possible that she's a secret blood purist?"

Alice gave her a deadpan look. "Of course she's a blood purist. There's nothing secret about it. But people are allowed to have their opinions and views. And unless she does anything illegal or causes havoc, she can be as much of a blood purist as she wants."

"Is making first-years sign magical contracts illegal enough?"

Alice shook her head. "I know what happened in Hogwarts. Nev told me in his letter. And no, it wasn't illegal. She has the power to govern the Slytherins as she wants, that is, unless she causes students any harm or if the majority of the parents raise a fuss. She has been the head for the last five years, and this was the first hiccup. Dumbledore isn't a fool who'd appoint anyone as head. He must have his reasons for hiring a blood purist."

Lily took another sip, already aware of that. But still, her son was hurt badly. Someone needed to pay. And if Harry hadn't already made her promise not to interfere, then there would've been four fewer students in Slytherin.

While Narcissa might not have had a direct hand in that, Lily would still hold the blonde in contempt for allowing the fight to brew in the first place. Was she being irrational? Most probably, but she didn't care.

"I know how petty you can be, Lils. But I'll suggest you not make enemies so early after coming back. Calm down a bit and let bygones be bygones," Alice said, aware of her friend's vengeful personality.

Lily snapped her mouth shut, but the words did make her falter. Was it really necessary to go after the blonde bitch? She might have to think more about it. And it wasn't as if she had any power to stir up trouble. Not yet. Only once she had a breakthrough in Magiscape would she think of pulverising the blondie.

Until then, it was better to lay low.

Looking up and meeting Alice's knowing gaze, she shrugged. "Fine, I'll reconsider my options."

Alice smiled in relief. "Good. Now let's go to Longbottom Mansion. We've got loads of catching up to do."

~xXxXx~

The first month was quite busy for the first-years. They had to get used to their new surroundings away from their homes, which was doubly difficult for the muggleborns who weren't used to living around magic. There were many lonely tears shed in the night, some missing their parents while others wishing to go back. Of course, it was just passing night thoughts that overstayed their welcome, because every morning, the first-years eagerly began their day.

Though the novelty soon started to wear off, the pile of assignments told them that while the castle was fantastical and breathtaking, it was still a school. Many enjoyed the familiarity that reminded them of their old schools, but many didn't, wishing they were just adventuring through an old magical building instead of slogging through essays.

Two months passed as the new students tried to find their rhythm, and Halloween fell upon them like an unwanted surprise. Those who didn't live in the Wizarding World were surprised by the sudden mood change. The usually bustling school had become silent and melancholic. But they came to know the reason soon enough from the whispers and respectfully joined their fellow students in mourning.

It was the tenth anniversary of the Hogsmeade Massacre.

"Why are you always so late?" Tracey complained as Harry hurried down the stairs.

"I was taking a shower."

"It's dinner time."

"And?"

"Whatever, let's go before someone targets you again for not 'respecting' the great heroes of Hogsmeade."

Because that did happen in the afternoon. Harry and Tracey had been simply walking through the corridor, giggling and shoving each other like normal children when a seventh-year Gryffindor had hexed them for enjoying the day and not being miserable like everyone else.

There had been a memorial ceremony in the abandoned village to honour the dead. Even his father had come to give a heartrending speech about their valour and the shocking tragedy that shook him ten years ago. All the staff and students had to attend. Though it might've been better if his mum wasn't invited. Because she had been the subject of many glares. And it was really a miracle that no one had tried to pick a fight with her.

Coming back to the castle after that, most of the students had become gloomy, affected by his father's great speech. He and Tracey were among the few who quickly lost interest in being sad and began goofing around. That was the moment they were hexed.

Fortunately, it had been just a simple tripping hex and nothing more. Harry had been ready to punch the older boy in the teeth for that. It was at Tracey's urging—something about losing his reputation and credibility—that he turned away from that confrontation.

Presently, the two ran through the hallways.

They slowed down at the sight of the big double doors. Ambling confidently into the Great Hall, ignoring the annoyed hissings from their fellow students for disturbing Headmaster Dumbledore's speech, they took their seats at the Slytherin table near the end.

Usually, the two would sit with Susan and Hannah, but since it was the Halloween feast, they were required to be with their own housemates. Harry took the opportunity to glower at his archenemies.

Graham Montague. Cassius Warington. Peregrine Derrick. Lucian Bole. And Marcus Flint.

But just like always, they ignored him. Fucking cowards. He wondered when he'd be able to pay them back for sending him to the infirmary.

The headmaster's voice brought him back from his vengeful musings.

"I see that you all are still burdened by the memory of the tragedy. But you seem to forget that something good also happened this very day. The Dark Lord was vanquished, and a new era of peace began due to the sacrifice of many. I vividly remember falling to my knees when the Dark Lord's curse hit me right in the stomach. It was Minister Potter's timely counterspell that saved me from a cruciating death. It was then that I heard a child's distressed cry." Dumbledore halted for dramatic effect, sweeping his gaze over the enthralled crowd, who wanted to know how the fight went.

"And that cry changed the tide of the losing battle. You see, children, your parents will do anything for you. Never doubt that. And our very own Professor Evans was no different. After hearing her baby's cry, Professor Evans did something no wizard or witch would ever do. She sacrificed her magic, she sacrificed a portion of her life, and she cast an unavoidable spell that was filled with a mother's anger and desperation. Even Voldemort, considered one of the strongest wizard to ever exist, could do nothing but fall dead on the floor. That was the greatest magic I've ever seen." He ended with a soft smile and clapped, which was followed by the staff and then the rest of the students.

The applause turned thunderous as everyone stared at Lily with awe and wonder.

Lily held a plastic smile as she got showered in appreciation.

"I'm not saying to forget the tragedy that happened on this day. But I urge you to remember the greatest victory in recent history. If not for Professor Evans, there would've been many more massacres, this time at the hands of the Dark Lord instead of a stray demon. Be sad and mourn for what we lost, but remember to celebrate our triumph too. We gained our freedom that day, and to not celebrate it would be unfair and disrespectful to all those who fought and lost their lives."

From there, the overall mood did a one-eighty, and the feast felt like a feast instead of a funeral.

"I guess I should thank you for being a crybaby; otherwise, your mum might not have done what she did." Tracey quipped, bumping her shoulder against his.

"Ha ha, very funny. Wait for two days, my laughter is stranded in the sea," he grumbled, looking at the staff table where his mum was busy in conversation with other professors.

"Do you think it will improve your mum's reputation?" Tracey asked, cutting into her steak.

"I hope so. Though I think mum isn't too happy with the sudden spotlight." He frowned, able to see that she was getting annoyed behind her perfect smile.

"She looks fine to me." She observed.

Harry said nothing else, opting to focus on the mouth-watering food. He'd get the opportunity to talk to her soon anyway, when they'd meet later for his training.

~xXxXx~

The Black Tower was filled with shadows, and the braziers were cold.

The only source of light was the throne, where the mistress of the tower lounged with her eyes closed. Her body glowed from some strange, mysterious light, creating a small patch of visibility around her. And apart from the throne, the entire chamber was drowned in darkness.

She was the only one visible, like a single candle in the overpowering night.

This was how it usually went. The demon of Sloth spent more of her time slumbering than not, waking up for a small period of time before going back to her favourite thing. Sleeping. And her sleep cycle was never consistent. Sometimes she slept for hundreds of years without opening her eyes, while other times she woke up in ten minutes.

But this was the usual—nothing out of the ordinary. This was how it always happened. And this was how it would always be.

But one thing did stand out in the dark chamber.

An anomaly.

A ghost was roaming the hall, bored and angry.

He wanted to go out and try to get his body back. But one wrong move had trapped him here, shattering all of his long, detailed plans. And he cursed that moment of daring every single day. Not that he knew when it was day or night since the tower was always brimming with darkness.

When Lily Potter struck him with that unexpected spell, he knew his body was done for. After all, she had called on magic itself to destroy him. And he knew there was no hiding or running from it. That spell couldn't be avoided by any means. If anything ever deserved to be given the title of divine weapon, then that was it.

But while the spell was unparalleled in its might, it assured mutual destruction.

Lily Potter should thank him for unintentionally saving her life. If he hadn't made horcruxes before, if he had really died that day, then she too would have lost her life. Because that suicidal spell ensured the deaths of both the caster and the target. It literally meant 'take my life, but his too'. It was an unbreakable deal with magic itself.

That earned her his respect for even knowing that obscure spell. If she wasn't so stubborn and headstrong, he might have tried to recruit her into his inner circle. She'd have been his new Bellatrix, extremely beautiful and monstrously strong, and only loyal to him.

Knowing the nature of the curse, she must have lost her magic and become useless. And attractiveness alone was not something that managed to earn his interest. It was magic and how adept someone was at using it that made him notice them.

Shaking himself off his musings, he floated towards the pedestal where the demon slept. He had spent years ascending and descending these steps, hoping to see her eyes open. To recieve an opportunity to get out. But every time, he was met with immense disappointment.

After his semi-death, he could have returned to his secret base. He should have returned to his secret base. But he had sensed a literal hole tear open in the wizarding world, and his curiosity had made him rush there and see what it was.

The Black Tower was engulfed in blue flames.

That was what stood in the charred Forbidden Forest, over the uncloseable hole that it created while trying to form in this world. Thankfully, out of range of the Hogwarts wards. Because he wouldn't have been able to examine it otherwise.

He had approached it fearlessly, knowing nothing could harm him when he was already dead. He had entered the burning tower at the exact moment Dumbledore was kicked out, and that did make him smirk in amusement.

Then the door closed behind him. Before he could talk with the extraterrestrial demon and confirm his fears about death and afterlife, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

No amount of shouting and yelling had disturbed her sleep.

He had been trapped here since then, wishing he had never come here in the first place.

If he hadn't, he'd have already conquered the wizarding world by now. But one small mistake, spurred by his curiosity, had left him caged in this bloody tower.

"Who are you, intruder?"

The voice snapped him out from his grim thoughts, and he looked at the woman sitting in front of him.

Oh, she was awake now. Good, now he could go out and continue pursuing his objectives.

He had never been one to get ensnared by a woman's beauty; his mind was always occupied by the wonderful magic. But this one had an obvious supernatural air to her. And while he couldn't detect her strength since he was just a spirit, he knew she was laughably stronger than him.

"I'm Voldemort." He announced grandly.

The woman narrowed her eyes, examining him before nodding to herself. "Splitting your soul and creating anchors to this mortal realm is ingenious but quite primitive."

After saying that, she snapped her fingers, and all his horcruxes dropped between them, clinking on the floor.

"What are you doing?" He sputtered, stumbling back as the pieces of his soul rose from the anchors and circled around him.

"Making you whole, of course." She yawned as the soul and the ghost combined.

Voldemort gasped and touched his face. He had a physical body now. And he finally felt complete. It was invigorating and exhilarating.

He had known that there'd be side effects to splitting his soul, but no words could describe how strange and torturous it was to feel spread thin with various parts of his soul lying away from his grasp.

But to escape death, he'd do anything. That was why he didn't know whether he should thank her or curse her. Not that he had enough power to even put a scratch on her skin. So he decided to go with gratitude.

"Thank yo—"

"Now I can kill you and fulfill my side of the deal."

"Wha—"

A black bolt of light struck him in the chest, and he crumbled into dust.

This time, he didn't even have a horcrux to save his life.

"And the deal is done. One village for one life." Belphegor yawned again and rested her head on the armrest.

She was feeling sleepy. It seemed it was time to slumber once again.