Professor Morningstar

Lucifer Morningstar was leaning against the sturdy wooden desk as he waited for his students to arrive. They trickled in, one by one, with three students entering last. He pegged them as Harry Potter and company.

"This is Practical Application of Defence, so what are you defending?" Lucifer's voice was clear and level as his dark eyes watched over the class.

It was one of the green-tied snakes that responded first, "We are defending our ideals from the filthy Muggles,"

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, "Come again?"

The worm didn't answer under Lucifer's stare.

The bushy-haired girl that flanked Potter had her hand raised and Lucifer nodded in her direction, giving her permission to speak. 

"We will defend ourselves, our friends, and our families from anything that tries to harm us."

The answer was simple, he supposed, but it was technically correct.

"Yes, I suppose that could be it," Lucifer agreed. He went on, "My next question is how?"

"Magic," one smartass retorted. Lucifer ignored that answer and pointed at Potter instead.

The boy met Lucifer's gaze and did not back down. Intriguing. 

"By whatever means necessary," 

"Good. Magic is nice, but it isn't everything." Lucifer grinned, "And I'll prove it. In one week, you lot will duel me,"

There was a collective shudder, and Lucifer's grin grew. The rest of the class went by quickly enough. Lucifer punctuated some of his statements with paper balls thrown randomly. Some caught the balls; others ducked, and most took a hit or two when they weren't paying attention.

Lucifer dismissed the class with a wave of his hand,"First rule of Defence: Be ready for anything, at any time." 

The students began to leave and Lucifer stopped one just before he could, "Do you have another class now?"

The boy nodded, "We're headed to Defence with Professor Umbridge next. It looks like Professor Dumbledore split the period into two,"

Lucifer was out the door, following behind the students as they raced to Umbridge's class. Concealed from their gazes, Lucifer slipped in and prepared to observe silently.

It did not take long for him to recognise that Umbridge was the kind of soul he usually attended to personally. His eyes narrowed. Punishment was still very much his purpose in life. He was taking a break, but Hell was still his domain, one that he would be checking in on during the weekends, in any case. He did want to see precisely where the wizard souls were.

Umbridge seemed focused on Potter and Potter alone. The lad received a week's worth of detentions before the class had even begun properly.  It appeared that nothing would be learned here. Lucifer had not been the most studious of his siblings, but he had learned everything he deemed worthy. Well, no matter. If this toad refused to teach, Lucifer would. 

He cornered Dolores outside her office after class.

"Dolores, dear. Tell me, what is it you desire?" The words had their intended effect and her eyes glazed over as she stammered, "I-I-I want to make Potter and Dumbledore irrelevant,"

Lucifer gave a non-committal nod, "I've heard you have Mr. Potter in detention for a week?"

"The boy must learn to respect his betters," Umbridge sniffed 

"That's why I'd like to oversee his detention personally," Lucifer kept his face neutral as he straightened his posture.

Umbridge eyed him for a moment, "Vey well. I will permit it after tonight,"

Lucifer gave a dangerous smile in thanks and hurried away with one final warning, "Tread lightly, Madam. I despise injustice."

That night, Lucifer was nursing a celebratory Firewhiskey at the Hog's Head, a small, dingy pub in Hogsmeade. He had made it through day one of his teaching career without significant damage. He had the seventh years dueling each other, the sixth years were working on their aim, and the fifth years preparing to fight him.  

Lucifer settled his tab and returned to the castle after he knocked back the rest of his drink. It was late enough that he shouldn't have encountered any students along the way. He was wrong. He spotted the messy black-haired boy leaving Umbridge's office.

Lucifer startled him, and Potter immediately thrust his left hand into his pocket. The boy winced, and Lucifer smelt blood, "Mr. Potter. Is something wrong?"

"No, Sir. Just heading to bed,"

Lucifer let it slide, "Your detentions are with me from tomorrow."

The kid's head swiveled toward him, "Why?"

Lucifer had walked with the boy until they were basically at the Gryffindor tower. Lucifer responded over his shoulder as he walked away, "Why not?"

He had intended to return to the Forest to see if the Centaurs were finally willing to talk. Lucifer wanted to know what they had seen in the stars, but he was distracted again by banging and muffled swearing. His eyebrows raised, and he focused on the magic in the area. There was some repelling ward but thankfully for him, hiding from the Divine was beyond their means.

"Well, well, well," Lucifer drew their attention as he leaned against the doorway, legs crossed in front of him

"Professor Morningstar," Twin one began

"This isn't," Twin two interjected

"What it looks like," And that was Twin one again.

Lucifer studied the boys and their scattered sheets of parchment and a cauldron that was pushed into a corner.

"I am simply curious," Lucifer shrugged, "I have heard about your exploits, and Lucifer likey,"

The twins appeared to have an entire conversation that consisted entirely of glances, gestures, and subtle mouth movements.

Lucifer didn't let them discuss for very long. He glanced briefly at the notes before facing them again, "How much of this will be dedicated to Dolores?" 

They shared one last look and heaved identical sighs, "A fair bit of it,"

"Fred and George, was it?" Lucifer drawled finally

"Or Gred and Forge,"

"If you'd prefer," 

Lucifer laughed. They were entertaining, chaotic and a bitter reminder of a life long gone. He remembered his jaunts with Michael and knew they had acted much as these two did for a time. 

"I have a proposition for such devilish minds like yours," 

"We are listening," came the reply in tandem

"I could be persuaded to owe you a favour if you two keep me informed,"

"Informed about what exactly?" George asked

Lucifer thought about it, "I want to know who in this castle requires punishment,"

"Punishment?" Fred's voice wavered slightly as he considered the implications

Lucifer raised his hands in surrender, "I do not care for origins or blood. Nor do I wish to stop enterprising young minds from wreaking havoc. My business is with those that are cruel and unjust in their ways,"

"A guaranteed favour." Fred amended, and George followed with, "And your silence about this." He followed his statement by pointing at the crudely drawn logo of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.

"My word is my bond. I agree,"