When Sirius went downstairs the next morning, he found himself facing a curious scene. Red and Joan both had their ears glued to the kitchen door, left slightly ajar. Discreetly watching what was going on inside. As Sirius approached, he realised that the two young men were spying on Worple and Belby. They were sitting face to face at the kitchen table, tinkering with an old Muggle radio, pointing at it with their wands, whispering some incantations. Red and Joan didn't hear him coming and jumped in surprise when Sirius put a hand on each of their shoulders, whispering in a smooth voice.
"What are the two of you up to? »
"Sirius! Keep your voice down! "Red complained.
"They'll hear us and everything will be ruined! "Joan added, holding a finger on his lips.
"Ruin what exactly? "Sirius curiously asked, lowering his voice.
"Joan and I are about to solve a mystery that is centuries old! "Red said, his eyes sparkling.
"We're about to put a definitive end to a debate that stirs the imagination of millions of men and women around the world! And Red is going to pay me 100 gold galleons!"Joan said, with a determined voice.
"Okay...Now I'm interested. "Sirius said.
"Worple and Belby are alone in the kitchen, Denise and the old man have already left on a mission. They're too distracted to notice us, so they're not paying attention to what they're saying...". Joan said.
"So we're finally going to find out if British people keep their accents when they're alone! "Red finished, drawing a heavy sigh from Sirius.
"Don't you guys have nothing else to do? "Sirius asked before passing them and joined his compatriots in the kitchen for breakfast.
"Worple, Belby, good morning. "Sirius greeted the two men as he sat at the table, only to receive back two brief grunts as greeting. He poured himself a cup of coffee, took a sip, buttered a toast and ate it in silence while watching the two men working on the radio, which kept switching frequencies.
"What are you doing with that ? "he finally asked.
"We're trying to increase the range of the antenna to receive any UK station. It doesn't matter if it's a muggle or magical one. "Belby replied.
"Since we got here we haven't received any news from home, the daily prophet doesn't deliver that far, and Ludovik is tired of translating for us the Romanian newspapers...Anyway, they rarely talk about what is happening outside the country and the region. "Worple added.
" Great idea...At least you are not wasting your time being childish Sirius said looking towards the door from which whispers could be heard.
"If you are referring to the two apprentice spies, I agree. "Worple said with a sneer.
"Don't stay there, come and join us. I think we've made it. "Belby said tapping the radio with the tip of his wand, while Red and Joan joined them inside.
The radio began to levitate on the table, frenetically turning around before stopping then softly landed on the table before a man's voice echoing through the kitchen.
"... The great showman Gilderoy Lockhart, whom we no longer present, is with us this morning to promote his next performance, we remind you that he will be touring all over Europe this summer and that one of you will get a chance to win two tickets, so stay with us!»
"Thank you for having me, Elliot. It's a real pleasure to be with you this morning! "The man who was supposed to be Gilderoy, the show's guest, replied cheerfully.
"The pleasure is ours! Let's get started! Gilderoy! I'm sure you must hear this question over and over again, wherever you go, but I have to ask it all the same. Your magic tricks are impressive. Nobody can figure them out, let alone recreate anything close. How do you do it? What-is-your-secret? Elliot, the show's host, asked.
"My secret? There is no secret! Well, fine, except a birth talent for magic and hard work! "Gilderoy replied.
"No one doubts that a talent like yours can't be found in each street corner, yet hundreds of your fans, including us, have woken up early today to share this moment with us, they deserve some kind of reward, don't you think? "Elliot, the host insisted, with an energetic voice.
" Alright! I'll tell you something but only out of love for my admirers. "Gilderoy replied.
"Fasten your seat belts, ladies and gentlemen! "The host announced to the listeners.
"My real secret is my artist's soul and heart "Gilderoy replied.
" How interesting! Tell us more! "Elliot said.
" Having a brilliant mind, like me, is not enough. You must have an innate talent for directing! To get the audience to travel before amazing them! I would say it's about a balance between intellect and passion; you got to be a stable genius... I won't tell any more. "Gilderoy says, before bursting out laughing.
"Not even off the air?" Elliot tried.
"If I tell anything else, I'd have to find a way to erase your memory. "Gilderoy joked.
"If it helps me forget my ex-wife, I'll volunteer! "Elliot replied tongue-in-cheek. "All right, let's move on to the next segment of our show. We're going to take live calls from our listeners, YES, you heard right! You'll have a chance to ask him your questions directly, ready? »
After a brief moment alone with a long beep was heard on the channel, the control room forwarded the host's first phone call. A tiny shy voice, belonging to a little boy, was heard.
"Hello! "said the child.
"Hello! What's your name? "asked the host.
"My name is Neville! "the boy replied.
"Welcome to our show, Neville! How old are you? "Elliot asked.
"One...Two...Three...Four...Almost Five...My birthday's in two days! "Neville replied.
"Happy birthday Neville! Could you speak louder, though? "Elliot asked.
"No...I'm not allowed to use the muggle stuff, and Grandma and Grandpa are still sleeping, I don't want to wake them up." Neville whispered.
"The mug what? Do you mean modern stuff? "Elliot asked.
"No, muggles! "Neville said.
"I don't know what that means, but whatever, what question do you want to ask? "Elliot said.
"Next week is my birthday. "Neville said.
"You've already told us, Neville, what's your question? "The host asked.
"Yes...My mum and dad are in the hospital; it's been way too long now. "Neville said.
"Why would I care? "the host asked.
"Well...could Mr Lokhart use his magic to heal them? The same way he did to grow back that little girl's hands. "Neville asked.
"Gilderoy began to improvise an answer before being cut off by Elliot.
"No need to waste your time Gilderoy, we're used to this kind of pranks by now...Every week, a little wanker, a loser who has nothing else to do with his days, calls us to ruin our show... "
"NO...I am not making fun of you. I always listen to you on the radio..." Neville said hastily.
"Shut up and lose the fake voice! You see, we get up at dawn every day to serve all the good people who go to work, to make sure they start the day on a good note, do you understand? I don't think you can understand...You're just a little shit, who failed everything in his life and who, if there's a miracle, will preserve enough brain cells so that he won't have to shit his pants constantly."
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..." Neville started to melt.
" Mark well what I'm going to say in your head Neville, and never forget it. YOU'RE A USELESS PIECE OF SHIT. Fuck you, Neville... FUCK YOU! "Elliot shouted into the speaker before hanging up.
"If a punch could travel from here to London, this host would be on the ground collecting his teeth. "Sirius said furiously.
"He destroyed that poor kid... I don't think he was playing a joke on them..." Joan said.
"Yeah...That asshole completely cracked. But maybe the kid will learn a lesson from it... " Red said.
"What would he learn? "Joan asked.
"That your feelings and integrity are only worth something to you. Everyone else doesn't give a fuck." Sirius said as he got up from his chair. "Well... Weren't we supposed to go for a walk around the castle, the three of us? "he asked Red and Joan.
"Yes, we'd better get moving if we want to make it back in time for lunch," Red said, stretching out his arms.
"Can you explain to me why the Fidelius charm is unlikely in our case? "Joan asked Red.
"I said impossible, not unlikely," Red said.
"Ok, why is it impossible then?" Joan asked again.
"The Fidelius charm is conceived to hide information in a human being's soul. "Red replied.
"So what? An address is information, isn't it? "Sirius asked.
"That's right...You can hide your house through the Fidelius, and if you are the keeper of the secret yourself, it will be completely impossible to find you or harm you. However, the charm is limited by certain conditions... " Red replied.
"Which ones exactly? "Joan asked.
"Well, you must be the owner of the place. After all, it makes sense; otherwise, people would start hiding other people's houses, and it would be a real mess. No, there has to be a legal or magical contract between the person and the place. "Red said.
"It sounds reasonable to me, what's the second condition? "Sirius asked.
"You can only hide one information in a soul. Take, for example, a castle such as Hogwarts. It's not that Hogwarts is in Scotland, next to Hogsmeade, that you have to hide, but everything about it. Do you understand? "Red explained.
"No, not really. "Joan says.
"Okay...I warned you it was going to be complicated... Hogwarts isn't just a big castle. Each stone that composes it is enchanted. The wards that protect it were not placed after its construction but during. That is to say, they are an integral part of the castle, like a cars engine or a human being organs... Roughly speaking, Hogwarts is a vast Russian doll. A human being couldn't contain all that within himself without exploding. Otherwise, you can imagine that the headmasters would be the secret keeper and the job would be passed to the next... "Red said.
"I see..." Joan said.
"But there is another complication. "Red added.
"There are only complications, it seems. "Joan said.
"I have warned you... To execute the fidelius charm, you have to know the exact architecture of the place. You have to know things like how many windows, doors, hallways, rooms, etc... That's why the houses under the charm are usually only small townhouses with a small garden, huts or flats... I really doubt that anyone can boast of having a map of Hogwarts. "Red concluded.
"How much do you want to bet? "Sirius asked hastily, standing in front of Red.
"100 galleons ?"Red replied defiantly, reaching him out his hand for him to shake.
"Are you witness? "Sirius asked Joan.
"Yeah, whatever..." Joan replied with a shrug.
"We have a deal, Russell. "Sirius said, shaking Red's hand.
After a long walk around the domain where the castle was supposed to be located, the three men stopped for a break in a clearing. Sirius, standing with his eyes fixed on the hill in front of them, was deeply immersed in his thoughts, racking his brains to find any detail he could have missed. Ignoring the sneers and sarcastic observations, the two younger men sitting on the grass behind him, kept supplying.
"Look how hard he's struggling, Joan," said casually Red, but loud enough so Sirius could hear him clearly from where he was standing.
"Remind me of what he said last night already? " Joan asked Red.
"He said, "Tomorrow, I'll go with you! You must have missed something! "Red said in an exaggerated imitation of Sirius' voice and accent.
"Ohhhh! Yeah, I remember now...Then he went full Rambo with his "Maybe we'll have to fight a vampire...Our lives on the line..." Joan continued.
"I don't know about 'risking our lives', but it's clear that Mr Black, death eater, bigmouth in chief, is just as clueless as we are," Red said as he laid on the grass, hands behind his head.
"Are you both done?" Sirius asked them.
"Joan! my dear...Are we done? "Red asked, bringing the British accent back.
"Yes, although I could go on all day. " Joan replied.
"I think you'll soon shut your mouth for a while, historian... my balls. "Sirius said.
"Would I? What makes you say that? "Joan asked, sneering with Red.
"I don't know... Maybe the fact that I've just figured out why we can't find the castle and how to break the ward around it." Sirius casually replied.
An abandoned classroom, Hogwarts, 1975.
"Nope...Absolutely nothing...It's just me, No Evans insight sitting on my thigh snogging me and no quidditch world cup on the fireplace behind me. Only me. Awesome as ever. "Said one teenager to another standing next to him.
"Move Sirius! You're too stupid; you're doing it wrong! "Said the other boy, pushing the other to stand in his place in front of the mirror. "Look! "He exclaimed, pointing his fingers at several points in the mirror. "Me...thigh...Evans...Mouths...Tongues...Quidditch cup...You in total admiration, a tear in your eye in the background. »
" There' s nothing but our reflections James...And my eyes are not full of tears because I'm in total admiration but because I'm fighting against falling asleep because of my idiot of a best friend..."
"Brother." James corrected him.
"...can't find anything better to do than waking me up in the middle of the night to look at a mirror. "Sirius said with a yawn.
"That's why! You weren't looking; your eyes were half-closed! Anyway, I'm sure that this thing shows the future... So when Lily and I are happily married, you'll look pretty dumb. I won't even invite you to our wedding. "James said while inspecting the mirror's back.
"IT SHOWS NOTHING! IT'S ONLY A BIG MIRROR! IT'S JUST YOU WHO'S OBSESSED WITH THAT GIRL! WHY DON'T WE GO BACK UPSTAIRS AND WAKE UP REMUS SO THAT HE COULD CONFIRM IT? "Sirius shouted at him.
"Since when did we start yelling at each other? I thought we were the perfect couple. "James asked, coming out from behind the mirror, his mouth dropped, showing an incredulous expression on his face.
"I'm sorry...I'm on edge; I had a bad day...a day that doesn't seem to end "Sirius said.
"NO! This time Sirius, you went too far! I can't stand being talked to like that! I'm taking the kids with me, and I'm going to live with my mother! I'll come back when you've calmed down and apologised! "James said, turning away, walking towards the door, chin up.
"No! I'm begging you, baby, please! Please don't leave me! I'll change, I promise! "Sirius begged him, falling to his knees.
"You always say that, but you still do it again! "James said to him, refusing to look at him.
"Give me one last chance! What will the neighbours say? Think about the children! Think about the dog" Sirius said as he transformed.
"...All right...If it's for Padfoot..." James said, backing up, he walked past Sirius and the mirror to sit on a window sill. He watched Sirius take back his human form. They remained silent for a while in the room lightened by the moon, Sirius looking absently at the mirror before turning back to James when he saw him taking a joint out of his pocket and lighting it.
"Okay Sirius, what's your problem? "James broke the silence before pulling a hit.
"Are you smoking?! The smell! Is that...WEED?! Are you crazy? Crush that right now? "Sirius ordered him, outraged.
"For real? "James asked, sending the smoke towards Sirius.
"Yes for real! I don't know where I heard this, but it appears that the more you smoke, the more brain cells you lose until you become completely dumb! "Sirius said.
"Oh good, you're way ahead of the pack on that front. "James said, laughing.
"Where did you get that from anyway? I'm going to tell McGonagall first thing Tomorrow, this an unacceptable behaviour! Parents send their children to Hogwarts to get an education, to become honest citizens, not delinquents! "Sirius said, ignoring his friend's last remark.
"I agree with you, one hundred per cent! However, you would be the first to be expelled as I found the weed, the rolling papers and the lighter in your bedside table drawer. "James said.
"AHHHHHH! So you'll remind me to apologise to Peter for what will happen to him tomorrow morning... When he wakes up...And during breakfast...And dinner...I don't care! I don't want you near that Shit, your only purpose in life is to live a long, happy life and give me nephews I will spoil and corrupt. "Sirius said.
"It's more or less what I expect from you too..." James said.
"Why did you go through my things anyway? I haven't played any pranks on you lately... " Sirius asked curiously.
"I needed a condom. "James replied simply.
"Do you need a condom to jerk off now? Has your hand become too harsh? "Sirius asked with a concerned voice.
"Evans was sitting in the common room, and I thought if I walked past her and accidentally let fall a condom out of my pocket, she'd think that I'm a manly, experienced, mature man...you know what I mean? WHAT?! "James asked, watching Sirius facepalm and slowly shaking his head from right to left.
"James...You're the dumbest man on the planet...Now she must think you're a sex addict as well as a bully after what happened with Snivelus the other day..." Sirius said, rolling his eyes.
"Damn...Remus warned me it wasn't a good idea..." James said.
"Why are you always fucking around with her? Why don't you behave the same way you do with me when she's around? "Sirius asked.
"Because I know you never judge me and you'll love me no matter what I do, no matter what happens. "James replied.
"First of all, I'm constantly judging you ... I'm impressed that you've been able to survive this long without choking on your own saliva. Children like you, we normally put them in special institutes or abandon them in a forest...". Sirius said.
"Fuck you..." James said to him nicely.
"And second, Remus spends a lot of time with Evans when they're doing rounds in the hallways...Prefect duty, before you jealous ass kills him in his sleep... Wee, they talk a lot...He told me she's a simple, nice girl...Anyway, be nice, be polite and stop attacking people in the hallway like a madman and it should go better with her. "Sirius said.
"You think? "James asked.
"Yes," Sirius said.
"Enough to make a deal?" James asked.
"Yes," Sirius said.
" "Very well," he said. "From now on I'm going to stop hexing people in the hallways or anywhere else in the castle except in class or to defend someone, of course, to leave Snivelus alone unless he's the one provoking me, and to behave myself properly in the presence of Evans. "James solemnly declared, extending his right hand to Sirius.
"Okay... So far, you are the only one who benefits from this deal, but I accept. "Sirius said, shaking his hand.
"On your side, you undertake to tell me exactly what you saw in the mirror. You can't refuse, we just made a deal. "James said, a mischievous smile stretching his lips as he looked down at their hands still clenched. »
Sirius sighed, "I knew it was a trap... If you insist... I saw us. »
"Just the two of us? We can make it if we try, just the two of us..."James started singing.
"Shut up!...we were older, in a living room. You and Evans together, Remus, Peter and me. "Sirius said.
"Is that all? "James asked frowning.
"No, my parents and Reg were there too. We were all together, enjoying some family time. Like when your mother invites us to your house. "Sirius added, his face closing. "This mirror doesn't show the future James, it shows what you want to see...it's just a liar, an artefact designed to manipulate people. »
"Yes, I know... To be honest, I just wanted a moment alone with you so we could talk face to face. I feel like crap after what happened after the DADA OWL exam... And, I noticed you have been hiding something from me since Easter break. "James said.
"If you want to know, I think my parents are going to side with Voldemort. "Sirius confessed.
"You've got to be kidding! They're not going to go that far! "James exclaimed.
"Some people came to visit my father during the holidays...Malfoy, Nott and Avery's fathers. They met with my father in his office for at least two hours. No one goes into my father's office, not even my mother and Kreatur are allowed in. My father cleans it himself so you can get an idea. When they left, my father had an ashen face, and I didn't hear from him all week. »
"Do you think they have threatened him or are blackmailing him? "James asked.
"No, my father is a dreadful wizard, and they were in our territory. It would be suicide to irritate him...The house won't let you out alive if you try to hurt a Black. I think they came to warn him or advise him, like friendly... "
"Sirius, promise me that if you have any doubts, get out of that house, leave all your things and come to my place. That guy, Voldemort, it's getting very serious, it seems that people disappear and die outside, but the press hides the truth... My parents are writing to me three letters a day and insist that I answer immediately. They say they are worried about you and me; only they don't say precisely why. "James said.
"I didn't dare to ask you... But I'm planning to leave this summer... At the first remark about Gryffindor or the nobility of my arse, I'm out of there. "Sirius said.
"Perfect, and you come straight to my house! Which will also become your home! "James said.
"Thank you," Sirius said.
"Your welcome m'boy," James said, patting him on the shoulder.
" Do you want us to go wake Remus and Peter and bring them here to see the mirror? "Sirius asked, changing the subject.
"No, the last full moon of the school year is in two days, let the poor guy rest. On the other hand, let's go back to bed; this thing got me. "James said, crushing the joint on the window sill and throwing it out.
"We should add this room to the map while we're at it... Do you have it on you? "Sirius asked James, who had already taken the card out of his pocket, smiling to him.
"I'll show you something cool too, so this room stays accessible only to us," James said.
"What? Sirius asked.
"A kind of ward called..."
Back to 1985,
"Sermo rindë...It's a very simple ward to build. It only allows those who belong to the same group or faction to pass through. "Sirius said.
"Are you sure? How do you know? "Red asked as he stood up to join him.
"Lend me your wand for a second, please. "Sirius asked Red.
Red hesitated for a moment, but after looking at Joan, who took out his own wand and pointed it at Sirius, he agreed to pass his wand to Sirius who took it, rolling his eyes. Sirius held it between his thumb and forefinger, whispered a simple spell detection incantation and then several strings of blue light slowly approached them, and rolled around the wand, briefly revealing an imposing rock construction with a pointed roof, dominating the valley from the top of the hill before disappearing again. Sirius smiled and gave Red his wand back.
"The good news is that no dark magic is involved. If we try to force it, all you risk is forgetting what you came looking for and start walking around the place in circles...Like you two have been doing for a month...The bad news is that in this case, to pass you have to be a Vampire, so we can already forget about raiding this place" Said Sirius, before leaving them behind and walking away. "Let's go eat! And why can't I hear your applause?»
"Because there is no applause. You just got lucky. "Joan said.
"Because you only found it thanks to my wand, "Red said, in a voice that betrayed a failed attempt to hide his frustration.
"Yeah, luck, okay... Let's go home ! "said Sirius, who should have paid attention to wherever he was stepping. He slipped and found himself a second later on his back, legs in the air. He kept his eyes closed, inept of opening them and see the other two men laughing madly as they rolled around in the grass. He finally straightened up and looked at them in disgust before looking at what he had slipped on. He found the small culprit attached to the sole of his shoe. A purple flower that was unknown to him. He slipped it into his pocket simultaneously as an owl landed on Joan's arm, who took the piece of parchment attached to its paw, unfolded it to read it before tossing it to Sirius.
"This is for you. »
Sirius grabbed the paper and unfolded it.
Sirius,
We have some news. This piece of parchment is a portkey. Count to five.
See you in a minute.
A few minutes after receiving the message, Sirius and Balasko were standing in the middle of a living room of a small flat in the city centre. Around them t, everything was ransacked. The furniture was in pieces, the curtains were torn, and a blood puddle was on the floor. There was no doubt that the burn marks on the walls indicated lightning bolts attributed to spells.
"Another attack. But this time the victim was able to defend himself. "Balasko said, looking around him.
"This is something new..." Sirius said, squatting down near the blood to examine it.
"What is it? Balasko asked as he approached him.
"This is not human blood. It's purple..." Sirius replied.
"Indeed... Do you think this blood is from a Vampire? That the victim might have hurt him and run away?" Balasko asked.
"If we stick to the information we've received from Worple, that would be impossible. Unless, of course, he's a wizard or has been helped by one... " Sirius said.
"You are probably right. Come and see this Sirius. "Balasko called him.
Sirius got up and went to meet him in front of a broken cabinet. He looked at the place Balasko was designating. Scraps of broken glass were scattered on the floor next to pictures hanging out of their frames. Balasko bent down to pick one up, representing a young caucasian man with medium-long black hair, standing next to a girl an arm around her waist, who looking at the resemblance must have been his sister or related somehow.
"Wouldn't that be the guy we talked to at the other crime scene? What was his name again? "Sirius asked.
"Florin Bucur. Yes, that's him. "Balasko confirmed.
"So this is his place? Do you know what that means? "Sirius asked.
"That he's found something? That the killer has come to finish the job. "Balasko asked.
"No... Maybe he was at the crime scene, like us, investigating on his own. He must be a wizard. That would explain the vampire blood on the floor, the marks on the walls...He probably strafed him with all the spells he could before disapparating. "Sirius said. " You wouldn't happen to have a vial on you, would you? »
"Yes...Here, I thought we might need one. " Balasko said, passing him a vial.
"Thank you. " Sirius said as he collected a sample of the blood. He sealed the cap and gave the vial back to Balasko who put it in his pocket.
"All right, I don't think there's anything more to do here, Denise already searched everything before she left. "Balasko said.
"Yes, I've found what's wrong with the castle by the way. I suggest we go home; we'll put everything together at the meeting this afternoon. "Sirius said proudly.
"Really? In one morning? What have the other two idiots been doing all month? "Balasko asked.
"Don't hesitate to ask them during lunch, in front of the others. "Sirius replied, grabbing Balasko's arm to disappear, seconds before the police entered the flat.
Later, after lunch, in the living room.
"I must admit that I'm amazed to see that we can remain stuck dead for a whole month, and in one morning we jump forward...". Balasko said, sweetening his coffee.
"And only when someone I won't name, intervenes and unblocks a situation that has been stuck for an entire month. "Sirius said.
"It doesn't matter ... We have made progress, and it's better than nothing. "Denise said.
"Let's sum up a little bit what we know. Last night, the forensic guy that Sirius and I met on the hotel room's crime scene was assaulted. His flat is completely turned upside down, and all the evidence suggests that he managed to escape or was kidnapped. "Balasko disclosed.
"The blood sample you brought with you is definitely from a vampire. Ideally, cell division in mammals such as humans can take twenty-four hours. In vampires, it is much faster. This is why they are always obliged to drink blood. The results of the analysis I carried out on the sample you gave me fit our hypothesis. "Worple said.
"However, the amount of blood you described indicates that the Vampire was seriously injured...A simple Muggle could not have done it. " Belby added.
" Indeed, Sirius has an exciting opinion on the subject. " Balasko said.
"Yes...I think he's on the same track as us...I think he must be a bounty hunter, tracking the Vampire. "Sirius said.
"Do you think that when we met him, he was actually investigating the crime scene? That he double-crossed us? "Red asked.
"Damn right! He may have stolen a clue or evidence before we got there. Something that could have helped identify the Vampire or track him down...That's why the Vampire killed him. "Sirius says.
" Moreover, the police captain called him 'Rookie', which means that they have started working with him quite recently. "Balasko said.
"Why would he go undercover? Wouldn't it have been enough to confuse them or alter the police officers' memories to receive information about the crime? "Red asked.
"We're not talking about a single crime Red; we're talking about a whole series of murders! In this case, it is a quite excellent idea to get a job that guarantees privileged access to the latest information! This entire case is going on for months now and could drag on for weeks, so falsifying degrees or identification documents in order to get a job that guarantees privileged access to the newest information is a good plan. Better than continually altering the memory of muggles and risking drawing attention to yourself. "Denise replied.
"Should we look for him? Maybe help him? "Joan asked.
"I don't think that's a good idea. "Sirius said.
"Why not?" he said. Red asked.
"First of all, if he's already dead it doesn't matter. Secondly, we don't know his intentions; he could perfectly well be teaming up with the Vampire. "Sirius said.
"What do you mean? "Joan asked.
"It's possible that the Vampire we're looking for may have an accomplice. Maybe this florin was in the hotel room to cover his tracks, not to investigate. What happened yesterday in his flat could very well have been a row between partners, so I prefer that we add him to our list of suspects and stay vigilant. "Sirius replied.
"Yeah... Sirius knows better than how a killer thinks...Better than any of us here; we should listen to him." Red said, receiving approving nods from the rest of the group.
"Black is right. Up until now, we've been scheduling our daytime activities with the understanding that our killer could only be active at night. However, if he has an accomplice who can work during the day, everything changes. "Belby said.
"You also have to take into account that if he did manage to hurt a Vampire, he must be a very well-trained wizard. "Worple added.
"Shit! He's been watching us from the beginning! "Red exclaimed, frightened. "Every time we patrolled the area, every time we took a nap on the grass or had our backs turned to piss face to face with the sweet summer breeze! »
"Sure, but asleep on the grass you could also have been attacked by a bear..." Denise said.
"There are bears around here? "Joan asked, worried.
"Yes, there are many around and also a pack of wolves," Balasko said.
"Okay, let's move on to the next topic. Sirius says he's been able to identify the kind of ward that's hiding the castle, right? "Denis asked Sirius.
"We have done it! "Red corrected her.
"No, I did it alone... Indeed, it is a very simple ward to place, but also quite restrictive for us. To get through it, I can only see two options: obtain an authorisation. In this particular case, to be a Vampire or to be invited by one. "Sirius.
"A Sermo rindë?" Balasko asked, intoned.
"Are you familiar with it?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, it's quite ironic...It's the kind of wards that humans used a long time ago to protect themselves from Vampires. You've never heard that a Vampire had to be invited into a house before he could enter it? "Balasko replied.
"I have! It's in all muggle movies! "Red said.
"The second one is that since it's a simple ward to build, automatically its power weakens with time and it has to be renewed continuously...So if we are on the spot when it has to be rebuilt, the castle will be briefly visible, we'll have a short moment to pass by and start our offensive. "Sirius said.
"Hmmm, it could work, but it would require meticulous planning and continuous surveillance of the hill...Besides, if the one who places the ward is skilled enough, the window might only last two seconds. I'm leaning towards the first option. "Worple said, looking at Belby.
"I've explained to you why it was impossible. "Sirius recalled.
"Hmmm, if only we had access to the services of a talented potion master who could brew a potion capable of solving our problem... Definitely, the evil spells continue to dog us... Denise, my dear, wouldn't you have one or two tents to lend us so that we could camp night and day in the valley? The same one where bears, a Vampire and a dangerous bounty hunter are roaming if you please? "Belby asked Denise.
"Is it possible? Can you do that? "Joan asked.
"Yes I can, but it's going to take me three weeks to get it ready, and you're going to have to get me some ingredients, Sirius. The sooner, the better. "Belby said to Sirius.
"I'll take care of it right away! "Sirius said.
"No...Russel and Zoega will go. Sirius, I need you to assist me in a personal matter tonight. "Balasko intervened.
"What personal matter? "Denise asked her brother.
"Personal means it's none of your business. "Balasko told his sister, before getting up, gesturing to Sirius to follow him outside.
In the late evening, Sirius and Balasko arrived in front of a campsite where several trailers were parked. Small groups of elderly people were sitting on folding beach chairs, laughing and drinking. Children were playing football or running behind a stray dog. Balasko walked, Sirius at his heels, towards the camp to meet a man his age waving energetically, jumping up and down on the spot, showing him a bottle of liquor. When Balasko got close to the entrance, he stopped Sirius.
"One moment Sirius. "Balasko said.
" What are we doing here? " Sirius asked.
"As you already know, I'm not running in cash. To make ends meet, I am forced to ask for loans from people with minimal regard for the goods and money's origin—at least people who ask fewer questions than goblins. "Balasko answered.
"All right..." Sirius said.
"I recently borrowed money from a man who is very strict with payback deadlines, unfortunately with all the work we have had with the murders I have not been able to collect the money I have to return. "Balasko said.
"This is the kind of thing I don't like to hear," Sirius said.
"Don't worry, I explained the problem to him, and even though he initially described precisely how he was going to cut my balls off and feed them to me with a micro spoon, he finally agreed to write off the debt on condition that I would deliver something to him. "Balasko said, in a soothing tone.
"Charming...Why doesn't he go and get his merchandise himself? "Sirius asked.
"Oh...Let's just say that like you, he's wanted by the police for...Aggravated assault...Pimping...and murder. " Balasko said.
"Okay, I'm going back home. Good luck. "Sirius said before turning around to take his leave, only Balasko grabbed him by the arm and said hastily.
"Help me with this, and I promise I'll return the favour. »
"I'm already in deep Shit! I don't want to get my throat slit in a gipsy camp, I don't even have a wand to defend myself, and I can't transform because of this Shit you're forcing me to wear on my wrist. " Sirius said to him in an irritated voice.
"He won't have any problems; we've already talked this morning! All we have to do is deliver the goods and drink some Mirabelle with him, maybe listen to him play the guitar, that's all. "Balasko said.
"I don't believe you! Denise is right; you are a liar! "Sirius growled.
"All right! Help me, and I'll teach you legilimency. That way you'll know if I'm telling the truth or no and also sense when someone wants to take you by surprise. Common! You can't refuse!"Balasko said.
"What guarantee do I have that you will keep your word? "Sirius asked.
"Let us take an unbreakable vow. Let's make an unbreakable vow right now. "Balasko said, shaking hands with Sirius, who looked at him suspiciously.
"Very well, Balasko. I accept. "Sirius said curtly.
"I, Ludovik Balasko, vow to instruct Sirius Black in the mind arts under the condition that he will help me in my quest tonight. »
" Me Sirius Black vows to assist Ludovik Balasko in his quest tonight. »
Slim blue lights appeared from the arms of Blasko and Sirius, curled up and disappeared.
"Very good! Now let's go and honour our engagements! "Balasko said as he released Sirius' hand and entered the camp.
They approached the man who invited Balasko to join him a moment ago. He welcomed them with a big smile. He hugged them cheerfully in his arms and immediately served them glasses filled with a golden yellow drink, which he encouraged them to drink immediately. Sirius found that the drink had a refined, sweet smell and left a strong honey taste in the mouth.
"Sirius, please meet Louka," Balasko said to Sirius, then added in Romanian. "Louka, this is Sirius. We are here to see Livio, he is expecting us."
"Yeah I know, he told me... He is busy with someone right now..." Louka said before being interrupted by the sound of a gunshot coming from a nearby mobile home.
"He is no longer busy; you guys can go! "Louka said.
"We can also come back another time...". Balasko said as he watched someone leave the caravan, dragging a dead man by its feet.
"NO! You get here immediately, ludovik! Said a bald man, no taller than 5'5", wearing sunglasses, covered with ink, on the doorstep of the caravan.
"Livio! Buddy! How are you doing?" Balasko walked up to the man and shook his hand, before whispering inaudible words to him from where Sirius was still standing looking at the cadaver.
"Well, come inside, I don't want to do this outside. "Livio said to them as he returned inside of his trailer, Balasko on his heels.
When Sirius went inside, Balasko was sitting on a seat on Livio's right, who had his head bent over the table, sniffing a line of a white powder. Balasko motioned to Sirius to sit on another bench in front of him. Suddenly Livio straightened his head and roared fiercely as he banged his fists on the table. Then he stood utterly still, looking straight ahead, without making any sound or even paying attention to the two other men present who were looking at him with anxiety. Finally, he seemed to come back to himself and broke the silence.
"Who are you two? What the fuck are you doing in my house?" Livio said, staring at them, looking very confused.
"Er...Livio...It's me, Ludovik Balasko...We've got an appointment to hand over the merchandise. "Balasko replied delicately.
"YEEEEEAAAAHHHHH I've just invited you inside RIGHT!?" said Livio, facepalming. "But you guys look tense, are you scared of me or what?"
"You've just killed someone ..." Sirius said, receiving an angry look from Balasko.
"What's your friend saying Ludovik? Who killed who? I didn't see anyone being killed, did you see anyone dead when you came here? "Livio asked Balasko.
"No, we didn't see anything, Sirius is the kind of guy who likes to tell jokes..." Balasko said.
"But Sirius! If you want to tell jokes, do it with your friends! I'm not your mate, man. I'm serious, are we here to work or play, Balasko?" Livio said.
"He didn't want to disrespect you Livio; he's British, it's another culture... " Balasko said.
"I didn't want to, he didn't want to, you didn't want to, but he did it anyway...Respect is a universal value, do you understand British guy? British? Do you drink tea?" Livio asked Sirius.
"Yes... With biscuits. "Sirius answered calmly.
Livio snapped his fingers and said "You see what I've just done Sirius? It's called general knowledge. "
"Thank you; I'm not as educated as you are. "Sirius replied.
"Of course, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were a stupid and ignorant giri ... Wait! British like England? Arsenal...Elton John...Jack Daniels?" Livio asked, then against all odds he pulled out his gun and pressed the cannon against Sirius' temple.
"Livio, please calm down. "Balasko said alarmed.
"Shut the fuck up Balasko; I'm talking to the British guy...Sirius, I'm going to ask you a question. Give me the right answer, and I'll blow your head off, if you give the wrong one I'll let you live. »
"Okay...I will do my best. "Sirius replied calmly as he watched Balasko panicking.
"You're not scared...The guy you saw just before gave the wrong answer. "Livio said to Sirius.
"Ask your question. "Sirius said to him.
"You're a real badass, aren't you?... Okay...Do I look like a guy who sucks dicks? "Livio asked.
"Yes," Sirius replied.
"Wrong answer...You are lucky. "Livio said as he pulled the gun out of Sirius's temple. "You see Sirius, you have just earned my respect. You Ludovik, I don't respect you... I'm what NASA scientists describe as an ''alpha male'', a man who takes charge, one who imposes his will on others, not the other way around. Week men like Ludovik want to be me, women want to be with me. IM A PREDATOR. »
"I believe you. "Sirius said.
"Well, speaking of fags... Shall we get down to business? "Livio asked Balasko, clapping his hands.
"Fine, what do you think of him then?" Balasko asked Livio, pointing at Sirius.
"Yeah...Why not? He could do the job for one night. "Livio said looking up and down at Sirius.
"What? ...Wait! I'm the merchandise? "Sirius asked Balasko, looking furiously at him.
"Sirius, pull down your pants, bend over and spread your ass out as well... Where is the magic candy? "Livio said searching in a box behind him, filled with pills and capsules of different colours.
Sirius jumped on his feet and threw a punch at Livio, aiming for his jaw but was thrown backwards by Balasko who had stepped in just in time as Livio burst out laughing on the bench.
« RELAX ! RELAX BRIT ! »
"Sirius calm down, he's just kidding! "Balasko said, urging Sirius to sit down.
"I was just kidding! Ludovik! You said he likes to tell jokes! Sirius, do you really think I'm gonna fuck a guy under the eyes de la Madre del señor?" Livio said, showing a painting representing a young woman carrying a toddler in her arms, hanging above them.
"Livio, that's it. Let's be serious for a moment, shall we? "Balasko asked Livio, who nodded.
"Okay, it's going to happen tonight. Bring your guy to this address in an hour. I'll be waiting for you at the door. Now get the hell out of my house. "Livio said to Balasko after handing him a piece of paper.
Livio did not have to add a single world as the two men were already out as soon as Balasko received the paper from Livio's hand. Before Balasko could say a word, Sirius grabbed him by the neck and pinned him against the trailer.
"What the fuck was that shit move? "Sirius said to Balasko, squeezing his throat.
"Get off me, you idiot! You are alerting the entire camp! "Balasko warned him.
Indeed, the sounds of chatter and music had died down, and all eyes were now turned to them. Sirius released him, Balasko massaged his throat and then left behind Sirius without delay, and walked towards the exit. Sirius followed him and once far enough away, he stopped Balasko.
"What now? "Balasko asked, sighing in annoyance.
"What was all that show about? "Sirius asked, his voice trembling with anger.
"I warned you that Livio was a dangerous man! "Balasko replied.
"I'm not talking about that! I was expecting it! I'm talking about me... The merchandise! We took an unbreakable oath! "Sirius said.
"Sirius...If you are stupid enough to take an unbreakable oath before asking about all the terms of the contract, you can only blame yourself. "Balasko answered sharply.
"Son of a bitch...You're a crook! You are the most deceitful and dishonest man I have ever met. "Sirius spat at him.
"Really... I think I'm pretty honest man if you want my opinion. "Balasko said, mocking Sirius, who in his anger tried to punch him.
With a quick, swift wrist move, the older man pulled out his wand and immediately Sirius found himself on his knees, his hands tied behind his back, frozen, gasping for air. In front of him, Balasko, who until then had always displayed a jovial and fragile appearance, now gave the strong impression that he could take on an entire army on his own.
"Think about it for a moment, Sirius. I could have taken out my wand, killed Livio and slaughtered the whole camp if I wanted to, children and pets included. It would have taken me less than five minutes to create a bloodbath and wipe everything out ...Livio has many enemies, nobody would have come to ask questions ...One less problem, everybody would have been glad to no longer see him and his men. However, I let him insult me, and I am doing everything I can to pay off my debts. Why do you think I'm choosing the diplomatic way? "Balasko asked him.
"...Sto..p... "Sirius tried to say before starting to suffocate.
"I will tell you why... First of all, the fight would not have been fair. Going after people, even criminals would have made of me just another lowlife... A true shame... " Balasko said.
« …. »
" And secondly, I made a deal with him. I went to see him, asked him for money; he gave it to me. I agreed to his conditions and then we shook hands. Magic or not, a deal is a deal. When you give someone your word, you have to keep it, there is no "but" or "if". Balasko continued, then pressed the end of his wand on Sirius' forehead.
"I sincerely believe that you have repented Sirius. I really think you are trying to make amends for your past crimes and I want to help you. However, the past cannot be erased. You betrayed your close friends, made children orphans, shattered lives and families even after the downfall of your master...You are not in a position to judge people like Livio or people like me…Let's go now, we're not finished yet. "Balasko concluded, breaking the curse he had placed on Sirius, leaving him crawling on the ground, trying to catch his breath.
Ok, guys, I know I said two weeks but I was busy last month. Sorry and Thank you for reading!