The Demons That Plague Us

Chapter 1

This is not part of the story, bear with me. I know that there's already a lot of stories about Alec's unhealthy mental state out there, but the thing is, he tried to commit suicide twice and they barely talked about it in the show. People normally forget the first time, but it was really early in season one when Jace's picture appeared when Magnus summoned the memory demon. Alec tried to go to it so it would kill him, if Jace hadn't pushed him out of the way, he would have died. I just think it's good to recognize what my poor child went through. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story, and if not, please tell how I can improve it.

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Magnus strolled through the stone walled halls of the institute. Every shadow hunter visible was in their mourning white clothing. Candles, held on iron pegs lined the walls. No one laughed or went about their shadowhunter business as usual. They were somber and only nodded to each other for greeting. Conversations were at low volume, and with a softer tone. Poor Clary was still being comforted in the funeral room. The room itself packed with chairs and people in small huddled groups. All of this change in atmosphere was because Jocelyn Fray was dead. Killed by a demon possessing the body of another. Alec's body to be exact. Magnus thought back to the few interactions he had with Jocelyn. He didn't agree with most of her opinions and frankly, thought she was selfish, but she was also an important part of the institute, and will be missed. Not to mention the horror of a demon infiltrating the New York Institute, right under the Claves view. What was most heartbreaking though, was all the trouble they went through to rescue her, all the drama it caused, and now she was dead. He continued down the hall. Magnus was on a search to find Alec. He had noticed him leaving the ceremony as soon as possible, without saying goodbye. He seemed to be in a hurry and Magnus didn't try to stop him. Probably just shadowhunter business as usual. But still, he wanted to ask him some questions regarding that evening. He solemnly nodded his greeting to a passing shadowhunter, pausing by the wide window to check outside in the archery range perhaps. Drops of water slid down the cool glass surface, mimicking tears. Even the weather was depressing today. It was stormy and grey, rain soaking thoroughly anything that tried to leave. Alec must be inside then. Maybe in the training room, practicing with his sword. Magnus always liked to catch him doing this, it usually meant seeing him shirtless and sweaty, hacking at some dummy. He was smiling at the thought and quickly stopped, because really this wasn't the time. When he turned to head off, he stumbled right into Jace. This was rather emotional for him too, he just found out that Jocelyn had been his mother. It was not convenient for her to die right then. Jace backed up and turned to Magnus, visible bags under his eyes. This worried Magnus, but he never knew what to do with Jace. He had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, and tended to be rather private. "Have you seen Alec around?" He asked. You could hear the weariness in his voice. Huh. So Jace didn't know either. Where was Alec?
"No, I was just looking for him." Magnus was perplexed.
"Well he's not in the training room, let me know if you find him." And like that, he quickly patted Magnus's shoulder and headed off down the hallway again. Magnus stood there for a moment thinking. Where else would he be? Not the training room or outside in the archery range. Not in the main hall where the funeral was. Maybe his room, though he thought that he hardly goes there anymore, he spends all his time training or at Magnus's apartment. Magnus had never even been in his room. It's worth a try though. Magnus turned to see if Jace was still in the hallway.
"Which room is Alec's?" Jace turned at his voice. Must have a hearing rune. They have a rune for everything.
"Good idea, 31." He shouted back, then continued out of sight. It was like a medieval style maze in the institute. The stone walls and fluorescent lighting were chilly at the best times. Magnus came to a dead end, sighed and turned around again. Sometime soon he really has to ask Alec to teach him how to get around, or maybe Alec could just come to him. He stopped and tried to track the numbers. There were two different sets! Magnus groaned in frustration. He was thinking of giving up and waiting for Alec to come over that night, but he really doubted he could find his way to the exit. He walked down another corner and looked up to see a sign with the words "Personal Rooms" and an arrow pointing him in the right direction. There we go. He thought and followed the sign to a new passage. The hallway was nearly empty here. The lights were dimmer, and warmer. The doors had numbers that were easy enough to follow. Magnus was actually kind of excited to see his boyfriend's room. It was a glimpse of Alec's life before Magnus. A space that Alec has designed completely himself. He stopped in front of room 31, almost missing it. He stood in front of the old wooden door and listened for any sign of Alec for a second. He thought he heard something that sounded like a whimper, but one cannot be sure. Anyway, he leaned closer to hear what it actually could be. It was definitely a soft whimper. Magnus's heart sped up. Something must be wrong. He knew entering Alec's room without permission was wrong but obviously someone had found him and was hurting him, and Magnus didn't want to scare them away before he had his way with them. Nobody hurts Alexander! Fury filled him at the idea. He cast a quick unlocking spell and pushed the door open, ready for action. He could not have prepared himself for the sight that met him.