Alastor's POV

I never thought I'd be back here.

The doors of the library were imposing as I stared at them. I already felt just a little bit uncomfortable.

It's strange, however...the dark magic I could feel radiating from this building so long ago is no longer there...

Was that him, too? Was she behind any of that fiasco?

Of course I'm wearing my human disguise at the moment, and it feels strange. I looked down at my hand and flexed my fingers.

When I did that, my claws extended and then immediately retracted upon me relaxing my muscles.

I sighed, stepping forward and pushing the door open.

It's relatively late...just beginning to get dark outside. So there shouldn't be many people here.

In fact, there were none at all. I quickly locked the library door, just to seize this golden opportunity for privacy.

My steps clicked softly as I walked around, hands behind my back.

Part of me was hoping Rose was still alive. If she were dead, that would complicate things. I'd have to find her in hell, and that would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

I'm not ready to find another needle just yet.

I heard shuffling, and quickly I hid behind a book display. If that's not her, I'm just going to head home and—

There she is.

She waddled out from somewhere in the back, her old woman form seemingly the exact same. She must be using some sort of vitality spell.

I stepped out, gaining her attention. Her attention that promptly turned into a terrified, wide eyed look.

She stumbled back away from me, and it worried me just slightly as I thought she may fall and hurt herself.

I held my hands up, "hey, calm down, you're alright I just—"

"You're back to get revenge!" She cried out, covering her head with her arms. It's very pitiful, seeing her like this.

It's also just sad.

I sighed and shook my head, "no, I'm not here for "revenge" Rosaline, for Pete's sake," I said, using the tone I would always use whenever she was being silly.

It's strange how fast I reverted back to...this parental type personality.

I don't hate her, even though I know I probably should. I should despise her for what she did to my Aria, but...

I don't, I just... I can't. Especially not now that I know she had a darker influence than I first believed.

She lowered her arms and gave me a wary look.

For 100 years old, I would've only guessed she was maybe 70. She's definitely using a spell.

"You're not?" She said, and I shook my head.

"No, however...a new problem has arisen in hell, Rose, and I need your help to fix it," I started, "and I know you have the answers."

She looked nervous, but didn't say anything or move away from me.

"A demon by the name of Xander—"

Immediately her disposition changed, her eyes turned to a deep glowing purple and fire flared from her fingertips.

"Don't speak that foul name in my presence!" She hissed, "that evil, awful man..." she looked equally terrified and equally angry.

But that's what I wanted. She recognized the name, meaning I was right.

"So you do know him..." I said lowly, and then cleared my throat, "well...I'd like for you to tell me why he helped you," I said firmly and she looked at me.

"Helped is hardly the right word," she grumbled, walking over to her chair to sit.

"I imagine he's trying to hurt her...is that why you're here?"

My eyes widened and I teleported closer to her, my smile wide, "yes! What can you tell me, ma fluer?" I asked her excitedly.

She flinched away from me, but sighed and settled into her chair.

"Ok...when you had returned, I wasn't fully sure at first," she started, "but after a while, I was positive it was you," she said sadly,

"In my head I was angered that all these years later and you would come back to see Aria...not me. However, I believe her situation was a rather unique one, and my jealousy blinded me in that fact," she paused and I decided to speak up.

"You turned me in...you ratted me out, why would you ever want me to visit you?" I asked her, and she chuckled.

"I was...a troubled child. A father at home who abused me, a cousin who murdered people...I couldn't go anywhere normal. Anywhere safe."

That hurt. I may have killed people but I always kept her safe.

"Rose, I may have murdered people, but I always kept you safe," I said softly, "you know I love you, and I protected you just as I would have for my mother..."

Her eyes widened and she looked away.

"It's in the past now..." she said quietly, her voice holding a saddened edge to it, "when I saw you'd returned, I was angry. I was so angry, but I didn't know what to do. That's when he showed up."

"He greeted me in the dark, and offered me a deal. I'm smarter than that, I lived with you a fraction of my life, so I refused. After that didn't work, he gave me a...sweeter offer," she said, and I tilted my head.

**

"We both want the same thing, yes?" The demon said to the old librarian, "for him to return where he belongs."

The old woman was wary of the man. She had a horrible feeling about him. However, in the moment she wanted nothing more than to rid the town of Alastor's presence.

She nodded.

"Well, you know he won't leave on his own...he needs a bit of a...push."

The demon chuckled, and Rosaline stood, confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked and then gasped when he disappeared and appeared right behind her by her ear.

"I mean, I will offer you use of my powers for you to fulfill what we both want," he purred.

Rosaline was wary. Dark magic? She'd never dabbled in the dark arts before.

But nonetheless, she was desperate.

And the offer was accepted.

**

I listened intently, and so far his intentions seem to have stayed the same...

He just wanted for me to return.

"His offer turned out to be a curse." Rose hissed, and then tears welled up in her eyes.

"The black magic did something to me, it made my angrier and...hateful. It chipped away at my mind, and before I knew it I—" she stopped, choking up slightly.

"I never wanted to hurt either of you..." she said, a soft sob coming up, "I just wanted you to go back where you came from and leave that poor little girl alone...now she's dead and it's all my fault..." she cried and put her head in her hands.

I tsk'd, and formed a handkerchief in my hand, walking over to her. I tilted her chin up and wiped her face off.

"Rose, dear, what's done is done...no need for being so upset," I said gently, and patted her cheek.

She sniffled softly and nodded, "y-you're right...she's ok, though? She's alright?" She asked, talking about Aria.

I nodded, "she's with me, she's alright..." I confirmed and the old woman looked relieved.

"Please tell her I'm sorry..." she said, guilt all over her face, "I never would have spoken to that man had I known his true intentions..."

This caught my attention.

"What were his true intentions?" I asked slowly, and she looked to the floor.

"Kill the girl. Take her soul."

She looked up and met my eyes, "that's the only way you'd return home the way he wanted you...angry."

This left a cold feeling in my chest.

Rosaline must not have been strong enough to handle the magic he gave her...instead of her controlling it, it controlled her.

And lead us to where we are now.

I nodded towards her, "thank you, Rose...I hope to see you again sometime..." I said, and with that I disappeared from her sight.

The streets were completely calm now. Darkness had settled over the town, and the air felt slightly cool.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Images flooded my brain, laughter, dates.

Her.

When I opened my eyes it was all gone.

My steps were quiet as I walked, and I wasn't sure where I was going. I just needed time to clear my head.

Just then I came up on a light pole. The cracked wood held a piece of paper, fluttering in the breeze.

I curiously smoothed it out, and my eyes widened when staring back at me was a picture of me. A modern picture, one that...Eliot took.

On the paper it said "wanted! If you see this man contact authorities immediately. He is considered highly dangerous."

Then there was a reward listed at the bottom.

I let out and amused scoff, tearing the paper from the post and burning it in my palm.

Idiots.

I went to keep walking but a light to my right caught my attention. It was the only room on the street that seemed to be lit up.

When I turned to face the house, I froze.

Eliot's house.

My eyes drifted up to the room, and I could see a shadow moving around. I stood with my hands in my pockets, staring up at the lit window.

Without a second thought, I teleported up into his room. I hid in the shadows, looking around. The room was slightly messy.

Over on his nightstand was a picture frame. I walked over, out of the shadows. I'd returned to my demon form, and I picked up the picture and looked at it.

It was Aria and him...face paint was covering Aria, and she had a big smile on her face. Eliot looked to be only a small child.

There was a sharp gasp suddenly, and the sound of clattering as something hit the floor.

I turned around, setting the picture back in its place.

Eliot stood in the doorway to his attached bathroom, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. There was a hairbrush at his feet, his hand still frozen in the position he'd had it when he dropped it.

I became worried, and went to tell him not to scream, but before I could speak he ran up to me.

My entire body stiffened when he wrapped his arms around me, holding me captive in a tight hug.

I stared straight ahead, unsure of what to do. I wasn't expecting this reaction.

Slowly my arms laid across his back, and I gave him a small hug in return. I felt him ball my suit up in his hands, pressing his face into my chest.

"Alastor, is it really you...?" He whispered, and I chuckled.

"I believe so," I answered, and he pulled back, smiling up at me.

His eyes were full of tears and he shook his head.

"I can't believe it I— you left—what're you doing here?" He asked, and I sighed.

"Just handling business..." I gave him the short answer. No need to worry him.

I put my hand on top of his head, and he looked up then back to me.

"It's good to see you, kid," I said genuinely and he smiled again.

"It's good to see you, too! I...I missed you," he said, and blushed slightly, looking down.

Then he gained a sadder look, "I miss Ari..."

That hurt my heart, and I let my hand that was on his head slide down to his chin, making him look at me.

"She's alright," I said softly, "she misses you, too."

He sniffled and laughed softly, reaching up and grabbing my hand. He put it to his face and leaned into it, tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

"Tell her I love her, please...I-I didn't get to tell her..." he said, his voice cracking slightly.

My features softened and I nodded, gently brushing away some of the tears as they fell.

"Of course..." I replied.

He let go of me, and just then there was a voice.

"Eliot? Who are you talking to?" Came the voice I missed the least.

Eliot's eyes gained a terrified look and suddenly I was shoved towards the window, "go, go! If Jake sees you he'll actually kill you!" He hissed quietly, and I nearly laughed.

Sure he would.

Nonetheless I complied.

"See ya later, kid," I said, and waved, letting my form fade away just as the door opened.

Time to go home.