Smoke and Mirrors (Alastor X Reader)

Chapter Ten

"Y/n?"

"Yes, Charlie?"

The sparkly-eyed princess looked up at you with a look of curiosity, and cocked her head slightly sideways.

You had left your folks house about an hour ago. Feeling somewhat better about the situation at hand, although not completely.

A talk needed to be had with Alastor. That much was clear. Although, in the meantime you devised a small idea to just put a little extra protection his way. Mother suggested you lean into your practices in the craft to help create more reinforcement when it came to keeping him safe and healthy.

An idea you simply couldn't turn away. You weren't referred to as The Beldam for nothing, why not use a little magick?

In the meantime you were also babysitting Charlotte again. Lucifer and Lilith had a last minute matter to attend to and were currently in-between nannies, so of course they asked if you would watch their little one for a couple hours.

You happily obliged. Still feeling a little sore about your conversation with the King the last time you saw him, you were a little surprised that he seemed so chipper and nonchalant when he spoke to you again. But you weren't disappointed, that was for sure. It actually took a little stress off your shoulders knowing he wasn't still mad at you for being too bold.

"Why do you get to go to the human world?" She asked.

You furrowed a brow and gave the little demoness a rather amused smirk. Feeling the left side of your lips curl slightly upward as you lead her out into your little greenhouse outside.

"That's a part of my job," you explained smoothly. "I collect souls on behalf of your father."

"Oh." She nodded. "But don't some sinners end up here on their own?"

"Usually," you sighed gently. Leading her over to a section of herbs you had growing in a collection of small pots. "But sometimes people who sin can be redeemed before death and end up going to Heaven, instead. My job is to make sure someone gets a one-way, non refundable ticket straight down here; no 'ifs, ands, or buts' about it."

"What do you mean redeemed?" She wondered.

"Sometimes people renounce their wicked ways." You shrugged. "Sometimes they find and accept the lord in the kingdom above and their soul is saved."

"Oh." She nodded.

"Will you do me a favor and start picking some of these for me?" You asked. Pointing at a small assortment of potted chives. "And just put them in this basket I have here, please."

Charlie nodded enthusiastically and began picking, while you meandered a few feet over and plucked a small handful of feverfews off their stems; and placed them in the small wicker basket as well.

"Is this enough?" She asked, taking a step back from the basket and folding her hands together. Swaying where she stood in such a way that her dress swished and twirled with her movements.

"Perfect," you grinned. Peaking over at the small assortment and finished picking a few pieces of vervain as well before picking the basket up and guiding Charlie out of the greenhouse.

"Thank you, my little love."

"What are these for, Y/n?"

You giggled and smiled down at the small blonde. Letting the handle of the whicker basket rest upon your forearm while you reached down with your other hand and smoothed out her hair.

"I'm using them for their magickal properties." You answered.

Charlie's eyes lit up with wonder and excitement. The child practically vibrating with excitement as she walked alongside you.