Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Magnus Bane looked at his client list. His boyfriend, Alec Lightwood, was at the Institute, going over assignments and other leader things.

"Thank goodness I still have you." he whispered to himself. The year before, Magnus' former student Starina Cosmic had kidnapped Alec and himself, attempting to take control of their bodies. Only by the generosity of Asmodeus, Magnus' father, was Starina and her twin sister Skylar Cosmic finally defeated. A knock at the door snapped the High Warlock out of his thoughts. Clearing his throat, Magnus walked to the door and opened it, revealing a blonde-and-pink-haired girl.

"You must be Polaria?" he asked. The girl nodded, smiling.

"Polaria Starstruck. I was told you could help me." she replied.

"I'll certainly do my best, Miss Starstruck. Here, let's talk in the living room." said Magnus. Polaria nodded again and followed Magnus into the living room, sitting on the couch.

"Now, what can I do for you, Miss Starstruck?" asked Magnus. The girl laughed.

"No need to be all formal. Call me Polaria." she said. Magnus grinned and nodded.

"What can I do for you, Polaria?" he adjusted. The girl crossed her legs.

"You see, my cousins were unfortunately sentenced to Edom. I intend to finish their work. But in order to do so, I need a love potion." she explained. Magnus frowned.

"I'm afraid I can't help you. I'm sorry about your cousins, but I don't dabble in love potions. They're manipulative and dangerous." he explained. Polaria grinned and got up, manifesting a wine glass.

"My mistake. How about a glass to make up for me wasting your time?" she asked. Magnus raised an eyebrow, suspicious.

"I believe you should leave." he said firmly. Polaria sighed and stomped her foot, making the wine glass disappear.

"And I was thinking this would be easy." she growled.

"What would be easy?" asked Magnus, really suspicious now. Before he could blink, Polaria made the couch come alive, trapping Magnus and rendering him motionless.

"What are you doing?!" Magnus yelled, struggling against the couch. Polaria grinned and pulled a pink vial from her jeans pocket.

"What Starina intended to do." she said. Magnus gasped in shock.

"You're Starina Cosmic's cousin?!" he cried. Polaria grabbed his chin and poured the vial's contents down his throat. Magnus tried to fight, but it was no use. As soon as the vial was empty, Polaria tossed it aside.

"Now, Maggie, you were saying?" she asked. Magnus looked at her, about to tell her off, but was suddenly struck with a sudden desire.

"I... I'm sorry, darling. Can you forgive me?" he asked. Polaria smiled in triumph and released him, pulling the High Warlock in for a passionate kiss.

"Of course I forgive you, my supernova. Now, why don't we have a little fun?" she suggested, pressing their bodies together. Magnus, under the influence of the potion, led Polaria to the bedroom, where the Cosmic Twins' cousin had her way with him.

Chapter Text

Alec sighed in exhaustion. Being Head of the New York Institute was often tiring. As he used his key and opened the door to Magnus' loft, all he wanted was to curl in his lover's arms and sleep.

"Magnus, I'm home!" he called out. A small vial on the floor caught his eye and he picked it up. It seemed empty.

"Probably just one of Magnus' old potions." he thought to himself, putting the vial in his pocket. Suddenly, Magnus came into the living room, looking confused.

"Who are you and how did you get in here?" he asked. Alec's blue eyes widened in shock.

"Magnus, it's me, Alec. Your boyfriend?" he said, wondering what was going on. Magnus' gold-green eyes narrowed.

"I don't have a boyfriend. And even if I did, he wouldn't be a Shadowhunter." he snapped. Alec gasped.

"Is everything okay, Maggie?" asked an unfamiliar voice. The Shadowhunter watched in disbelief as a blonde-and-pink-haired girl entered the room, wearing a pink robe, similar to Magnus'.

"This Shadowhunter claims to be my boyfriend, but that's not the case." explained Magnus.

"Magnus, what is going on? Who's this?" asked Alec. The girl placed a hand on the High Warlock's cheek.

"I'll take care of this, my supernova. Wait for me." she said. Magnus nodded and to Alec's shock, kissed the girl before leaving.

"Magnus!" the Shadowhunter cried, but the girl stomped her foot, forcing him out of the loft. Her silver eyes bore into Alec's.

"Give up, Shadowhunter. Your lover is mine and now I've avenged my cousins. There's nothing you can do." she explained, slamming the door. Heartbroken, Alec returned to the Institute.

Chapter Text

Back at the Institute, everyone gathered in Alec's room as the eldest Lightwood sobbed.

"I... I've lost him." he said through his tears. Isabelle put a hand on his shoulder.

"It doesn't make sense. Magnus would never cheat on you. And you said he didn't know who you were? That's really odd." she said.

"But I saw her, the girl. She was in the same robe as Magnus." argued Alec, still crying.

"I know, but maybe there's more to it. Tell us what she said again, when she kicked you out." insisted his sister. Alec sighed and wiped his eyes.

"She said Magnus was hers now and she succeeded in avenging her cousins. But, what does that mean?" he asked.

"Maybe I can answer that." said an unexpected voice. Tessa Gray, High Warlock of London, entered the room.

"Tessa Gray! What are you doing here?" asked Alec. Clary Fairchild held up the vial the eldest Lightwood had found.

"When you said you thought it was one of Magnus' old potion vials, I got suspicious. The whole thing seems wrong, so, I sent a fire message to Tessa, asking for her help." she explained. Tessa took the vial, studying it.

"You were correct in thinking this wasn't Magnus'. There's a little bit of potion still in the vial. Let me try and identify it." she said. Using Alec's workbench, Tessa manifested several books and potions, looking through them. After several hours, she gasped in shock.

"What's wrong?" asked Alec. Tessa's face turned grim.

"The girl has put a love potion on Magnus, but there's also traces of a memory charm, as well. That could explain why Magnus didn't recognize you." she revealed. Gripping the vial, she closed her eyes, concentrating. Suddenly, her form changed into the girl Magnus was with.

"Is this the girl who bespelled Magnus?" asked Tessa in the girl's voice. Alec nodded.

"Yes, who is she?" he asked. Tessa closed her eyes.

"Polaria Starstruck, daughter of a lesser demon named Boggart. However, her mother, was the aunt of a set of warlock triplets, Sunflower, Skylar and..." she began, but Alec's gasp cut her off.

"Starina Cosmic! She and Skylar kidnapped me last year, almost killed me, Magnus and Clary!" he cried.

"That's why she put a love spell on Magnus! For revenge!" added Clary.

"There's more to it; Polaria wants to avenge Starina and Skylar, so, on the anniversary of Sunflower's death, Polaria will kill Magnus." Tessa continued, shifting back into her true form.

"We won't let that happen." said Jace Herondale, Alec's parabatai.

"How do we break the spell?" asked Alec. Tessa sighed.

"Polaria is a clever warlock. Ordinarily, true love's kiss would be enough, but since she erased Magnus' memory of you..." she paused, letting them work it out.

"Magnus doesn't love me." realized Alec, tearing up again. Tessa smiled in sympathy.

"What we need is to break the memory charm first before the love spell. From what I've been able to identify, someone needs to speak an incantation into Magnus' ear in order to break the charm." she explained.

"But how can we do that? Polaria must be around Magnus 24/7, making sure her plan will succeed. It'll be next to impossible to say an incantation without her noticing." said Alec.

"I could probably do it. Polaria might've erased Magnus' memory of Alec, but I've been to his loft multiple times since I was little. I could probably sneak in the incantation like I'm telling him some juicy gossip." suggested Clary. Isabelle let out a shout of victory.

"Perfect idea, Clary! And after the memory charm is broken, Alec can swoop in and break the love spell!" she added.

"Exactly!" agreed Clary. Tessa nodded in approval.

"That just might work." she agreed.

Chapter Text

That night, Clary took a deep breath, going over the incantation in her head.

"Fog be lifted, eye be clear, let the mind restore those held dear." she whispered to herself. Once she felt ready, she knocked on the door. Almost immediately, it opened, revealing Polaria.

"Who are you?" she asked. Clary pretended to smile.

"Hi, I'm Clary Fairchild. I'm sorry, I must have the wrong loft. I thought Magnus Bane lived here." she said. Polaria's eyes narrowed.

"What are you to Magnus?" she asked. The redheaded girl was about to respond when a familiar voice registered.

"Biscuit, how wonderful to see you! Let her in, Polaria, she's welcome." said Magnus. The blonde-and-pink-haired warlock growled, but stepped aside, letting Clary inside.

"It's so good to see you, too, Magnus!" the Shadowhunter cried, hugging Magnus.

"Fog be lifted, eye be..." she started to whisper, but was suddenly thrown to the ground by an unseen force.

"Polaria, stop! She's a friend!" Magnus protested. Polaria grabbed the High Warlock by the throat and pushed him out of the room.

"You think I'm stupid?! I knew that pathetic boyfriend would try something, whether by himself or with help. But Magnus Bane is mine to control and when the anniversary comes, I will avenge Starina and Skylar and make sure he dies." she said to Clary.

"Magnus didn't kill Sunflower, Starina did!" explained Clary, struggling against the invisible weight holding her down. Polaria rolled her eyes.

"Duh, of course I know that. You really think Bane would have the guts to kill anyone, much less Sunflower Cosmic? Stupid girl, always preaching to be good and proper, keeping Starina and Skylar from their true potential. Skylar always followed Starina, but I knew she'd betray her one day. Me, on the other hand, I was always on Starina's side. Who do you think helped her choose the mundane house to experiment with?" she revealed. Clary gasped in shock.

"You! It's because of you Sunflower was killed! Magnus overheard Starina planning to attack mundanes and Starina tried to kill him, causing Sunflower's death!" she cried. Polaria grinned wickedly.

"Well, well, a Shadowhunter with a brain, impressive. But that's not going to save Bane. Now, I believe you've overstayed your welcome." she replied. The invisible weight forced Clary out of the loft and the redheaded girl could only watch as the loft doors were bound with silver chains.

Chapter Text

Back at the Institute, Clary informed everyone on what she'd learned. Tessa shook her head.

"If only we knew when the anniversary was or where Polaria is planning on killing Magnus. That could help us immensely." she said.

"Can't you use the vial again? Get inside Polaria's head?" asked Isabelle.

"I cannot. I can only use a specific item once. Unless you have something else of Polaria's, I'm of no further help." she said sadly. Alec sighed.

"I might know a way... if he'll help us." he said. Clary gasped in shock.

"No, Alec, you can't mean..." she started, but the eldest Lightwood held a hand up, stopping her.

"We have no choice. We can't risk losing Magnus and I know for a fact Asmodeus will do anything to save him." he explained. Everyone stared at him in shock and fear.

"Alexander, summoning a Greater Demon always comes at a cost. Are you willing to pay the price?" asked Tessa. Alec nodded firmly.

"Magnus is the only thing that matters to me." he said.

************************************************************

Later that night, Alec went to a witch who specialized in summoning spirits.

"Summoning demon royalty, that's quite a request. It'll cost extra." she said. Sighing, the Shadowhunter threw down a bag full of gold coins. The witch nodded.

"Very well. I'll try and connect with Asmodeus, but he'll only come if he desires it." she warned.

"Just do it." ordered Alec. The witch closed her eyes and began to chant. Suddenly, her form changed into an older Asian man, with long, black hair and gold-green eyes, just like Magnus'. He smiled.

"Alexander Gideon Lightwood. Very clever of you, summoning me this way." he said.

"Asmodeus, Magnus is in danger. The Cosmic Twins' cousin, Polaria Starstruck, gave him a love potion and is planning on killing him to avenge them." explained Alec. Asmodeus raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so? I admit, torturing those girls has been a pleasure, but I wasn't aware of a relation." he said.

"The relation is through the mundane mothers, not the demon parents. Polaria's father is a demon named Boggart." explained Alec. Asmodeus laughed.

"Oh, my dear boy, a boggart isn't a demon. They're just evil spirits, taking form of what mundanes fear most. Intriguing, though, I've never heard of one impregnating a mundane. This Polaria must be a unique warlock." he said. Alec took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"Will you help us save Magnus or not?" he asked.

"Of course, I will always protect my boy. However, I do require one thing from you." said Asmodeus.

"Name it." replied Alec. The Greater Demon grinned.

"End your relationship with my son." he said. Alec internally gasped. After Starina and Skylar had been defeated, he swore an Oath to the Angel he would never leave Magnus. If he broke up with him, he'd break the oath... and a broken oath meant death. But Alec had no choice; Magnus had to be saved.

"Agreed." he finally said, not letting Asmodeus see his tears.

Chapter Text

A few hours later, Alec returned to the Institute, with Asmodeus behind him. Everyone stared in silent shock when they caught sight of the Greater Demon.

"Everyone, this is Asmodeus, Ruler of Edom and Magnus' father." the eldest Lightwood introduced, keeping his tone business-like. Asmodeus bowed in greeting.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance. It's interesting, seeing the people my boy keeps company. Of course, I already know of all of you." he said, turning first to Clary.

"Miss Morgenstern, I might as well be your grandfather, with how my boy has looked after you." he continued. Clary tightened her lips.

"Fairchild, actually. I took my mother's maiden name." she corrected. Asmodeus looked apologetic.

"My mistake." he replied. Then, he turned to Isabelle.

"Ah, you must be Isabelle Lightwood. The resemblance is striking." he said. Isabelle nodded in response to her name, but didn't say anything. Next, the Greater Demon turned to Jace.

"Jonathan Herondale, the last of a distinguished family... or so you've all been led to believe." he said, smiling wickedly. Jace narrowed his eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked. Asmodeus waved off the question.

"Story for another time. Now, this is a surprise." he said, walking towards Tessa. Stopping in front of her, he again bowed, this time to her.

"Theresa Gray, daughter of a Shadowhunter who was never told her true identity. Like the girls I'm pleased to torture on my boy's behalf, you were once his pupil. It's a pleasure to meet you." he said, kissing her hand like an old-fashioned gentleman. Tessa pulled her hand back.

"Only my husband can do that." she replied. Asmodeus grinned.

"Fortunate man, indeed." he said smoothly. Walking to the center of the room, Asmodeus addressed the group.

"My boy's magic is the same as mine. His protective wards on his loft are admittedly strong, but I can break them enough to allow us knowledge of the current happenings." he explained.

"What's the catch?" asked Jace.

"Young Alexander has already made his promise to me once my boy is safe." replied Asmodeus. Everyone turned to Alec expectantly.

"Can you break the wards without Polaria and Magnus knowing?" asked the eldest Lightwood, ignoring them. Asmodeus laughed.

"Of course, behold." he replied. Taking a deep breath, the Greater Demon gathered his magic and hurled it in the direction of Magnus' loft. Soon, a window appeared, showing the High Warlock of Brooklyn and the Cosmic Twins' cousin on the couch in each other's arms.

"Are you sure you want to leave tomorrow night?" asked Magnus. Everyone gasped.

"Tomorrow?!" cried Clary.

"Shh!" hissed Isabelle. Polaria grinned.

"Tomorrow's a very special day. Besides, I want to see where you grew up. Indonesia sounds beautiful." she said. Alec gasped, suddenly realizing where she meant.

"It's been centuries since I've been there. I don't even know if I'll recognize it." replied Magnus. Polaria kissed his cheek.

"You will. It's all about feeling. Once you step foot on it, it'll all come back to you." she said. Magnus smiled and returned the kiss.

"Why is tomorrow so special?" he asked. Polaria climbed onto his lap, removing her pink robe.

"Leave it to me, supernova, tomorrow night will be one you'll never forget." she promised, straddling him. Asmodeus quickly shut the window, to Alec's relief.

"I know where they're going." said the Greater Demon.

"So do I." said Alec. Asmodeus looked at him in surprise.

"He told you?" he asked Alec. The eldest Lightwood narrowed his eyes.

"Of course he did; he trusts me." he explained.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Isabelle. Alec sighed.

"When Magnus was 10, he found his mother dead by suicide. His mother was ashamed of him. Not long afterwards, his mother's husband found him, tried to drown him in the river. But Magnus was able to summon his magic and in self-defense, burned his stepfather alive." he explained. Everyone gasped, a mixture of horror and sympathy.

"An act he regrets, even though he shouldn't. Still, at least we have what we need. Let's prepare ourselves and leave." added Asmodeus.

"He's right, let's go." said Alec. As everyone prepared for battle, Jace pulled Alec aside.

"What did you promise Asmodeus?" he whispered. His parabatai shook his head.

"You'll find out. But don't tell anyone anything." he insisted. Jace's eyes widened in understanding.

"Alec..." he started, but the eldest Lightwood stopped him.

"It's done, let's go." he said. As everyone went through Tessa's Portal to Magnus' old home, no one saw Jace's tears.

Chapter Text

The Portal exited the group into Magnus' old home in Indonesia. They hid in the barn, keeping an eye on the river where the High Warlock of Brooklyn was nearly drowned.

"Any sign of them yet?" asked Jace.

"Not yet, it's still daylight. Polaria was very specific about it being nighttime." replied Alec, bow at the ready.

"You remember the incantation to break the memory charm?" asked Tessa.

"Fog be lifted, eye be clear, let the mind restore those held dear." recited Clary.

"Very good." said Tessa.

"Hold on, here they come." said Alec, pointing to the right of their position. Sure enough, Polaria and Magnus were approaching the river, the blonde-and-pink-haired warlock a little behind him.

"She's going to recreate that night. She's going to drown him." said Alec.

"How does she know that?" asked Isabelle.

"Because it's what my boy fears most." explained Asmodeus. No one spoke as the two came closer to the river and began to speak.

"Polaria, are you sure you want to be here? I'm starting to feel... uncomfortable." said Magnus. Polaria laughed wickedly.

"That's the point, Bane. Now, my vengeance is nearly complete." she replied.

"Now!" cried Alec. As one, the group cornered the warlocks.

"Polaria, let him go!" ordered Alec. The female warlock gasped in shock.

"You?! How'd you find me?!" she screamed. The Shadowhunters parted to let Asmodeus through.

"When my boy is in danger, I have to come." he said.

"Father?" asked Magnus, stunned. Polaria was stunned, as well.

"Asmodeus! Oh, you damned bastard Shadowhunter! I was so close to avenging Starina! You'll pay for this!" she cried, about to summon a spell, but Isabelle threw her electrum whip, capturing Polaria.

"Clary, now!" ordered Alec. The redheaded Shadowhunter rushed to Magnus' side.

"Fog be lifted, eye be clear, let the mind restore those held dear." she whispered into Magnus' ear.

"No!" cried Polaria. The High Warlock of Brooklyn gasped as the memory charm was broken, his gold-green eyes finding Alec.

"Alexander?" he asked shakily. Alec quickly kissed him, breaking the love potion. Magnus returned the kiss as the others killed Polaria. Once the kiss ended, Alec sighed.

"Leave us alone." he told the others.

"Alec..." started Jace.

"I said, leave!" Alec interrupted, glaring at his parabatai. Reluctantly, the others obeyed, Tessa creating a Portal back to New York. Once the Portal closed, Alec took a deep breath.

"Magnus, we can't continue like this." he began. Magnus looked confused.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Polaria almost killed you because of Starina and Skylar using me to get to you. As long as we're together, you're vulnerable." he explained. Magnus gasped.

"No, Alexander, that's not true!" he cried, holding onto him.

"Isn't it? The Cosmic Twins and now Polaria are gone, but how many more of your enemies are planning on using me against you?" asked Alec. Magnus' eyes started to tear up.

"You swore you'll never leave me." he whispered. Alec gave him one last kiss.

"I'm sorry, Magnus, but it's over between us." he said. The Shadowhunter turned away from the warlock, only managing three steps before falling to the ground.

"Alexander!" cried Magnus, about to help. But before he could get to Alec, the Shadowhunter screamed as he started burning from the inside out. Magnus could only watch as his beloved Alec was engulfed in the flames of his broken oath. Once the flames were gone, there was nothing left except ashes.

"Alexander..." Magnus whispered as he fell to his knees, crying in heartbreak.

Chapter Text

Months passed: Isabelle was named the new Head of the New York Institute, but as good as she was in her job, she was inconsolable. Jace barely survived Alec's death, though he often wished he didn't, Clary being the only thing keeping her fiance alive. The redheaded girl was also mourning Alec. Though their friendship was slower to develop, she still respected him. But the Shadowhunters weren't the only ones grieving. Magnus had stepped down as High Warlock of Brooklyn, saying he couldn't stay there anymore. So, with a fond farewell, he returned to his childhood home, where he built a small shrine to his lost love. One day, as he was kneeling in front of the shrine, silently crying, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Master Bane?" asked a female voice. Magnus jumped up and whirled around, about to attack... until he recognized her.

"Sunflower Cosmic?" he asked in shock. The youngest Cosmic Triplet smiled and bowed respectfully to him.

"Yes, it is I. It's a pleasure to see you again." she said.

"But... you're dead!" cried Magnus. Sunflower laughed.

"Indeed, I was. But thanks to your Shadowhunter, I was given a second chance." she explained. Magnus gasped at the mention of Alec.

"Alexander..." he whispered, his tears blurring his vision. Sunflower wiped the tears away.

"Angel Raziel was moved by Alexander's sacrifice and offered him life anew, but he denied it, saying in order to keep you safe, he must stay in Heaven. So, Raziel asked him if there was anyone else who deserved a second chance..." she stopped, smiling. Magnus also smiled, understanding.

"Alexander chose you." he said. Sunflower nodded.

"Before I was resurrected, Alexander begged me to find you. He knew you might doubt my veracity, so he asked me to pass along a message." she explained. Magnus felt his heart race. Sunflower's warlock mark was that she could speak like anyone, similar to Tessa's gift, but different. Clearing her throat, Sunflower looked deep into Magnus' eyes.

"Magnus, I'm sorry for what I had to do, but I couldn't let Polaria win. I love you with all my heart." she said in Alec's voice. Magnus started sobbing and Sunflower held him, comforting him.

"Thank you." he whispered.

"You're welcome." replied Sunflower in her own voice. The two warlocks broke the hug, Magnus wiping his eyes.

"Are you going to stay with me or go back to Kyoto?" he asked. Sunflower sighed.

"I don't know. It feels odd, not having my sisters with me. I always hoped Starina would see reason, but she gave in to her darkest instincts. Skylar, thankfully, redeemed herself in the end, but like Starina, deserved her fate. Polaria, I knew, couldn't be trusted. If anything, she was the worst, luring Starina deeper into temptation. I should've done more to try and stop them." she replied.

"There's nothing you could've done, Sunny." countered Magnus. The youngest triplet smiled at her nickname. Then, she approached Alec's shrine.

"May I?" she asked. Magnus nodded.

"Please." he accepted. Sunflower raised her hand and began to sing.

"To the one who rescued me, I leave this gift and blessed be." she sang in an opera voice. With a wave of her hand, her namesake flower appeared in a bouquet in the center of the shrine. Satisfied, she bowed again to Magnus.

"Light and love, Master Bane. Blessed be." she said.

"Blessed be." replied Magnus. Sunflower left, leaving the former High Warlock of Brooklyn feeling hopeful for the first time in months.

The End