When they saw me, one after the other, they could not believe their eyes. I, of course, had stayed young while their bodies grew older. Their faith had never wavered, nor did they even hesitate when I offered them a promise of power. They still wanted freedom, something I knew would happen, this time with Seth. I only asked of them time, which now I could give them, with even more significance. – Gellert Grindelwald.
Chapter 37 You don't need to ask me, my King
July 31st 1973
They all arrived by car to a sumptuous reception venue of London. Seth had a smile in the corner of his mouth as he went to the entrance of the building, followed closely by his parents and their childes, then by Corban, Ruma and her mother, Vincent, Brian, Lazarus, Darthael, William, Greisha, Galea, and Steven. Darthael had brought Sanguini, and the two other pub owners he had made a Fidelitus charm with. Another limousine stopped beside them, and with elegancy like no other, went out Gellert Grindelwald, followed by Anton, Dorian, and six others Seth did not know. Gellert made a curtly bow to Seth with a grin plastered on his face.
*It is great to see you, Gellert.*Said Seth.
*Forever the same to you, Seth.*Said Gellert as his eyes diverted to Ruma. *Little bird. Lovely to see you.*He added.
*Delicious thing indeed.*Said Anton behind Gellert who grabbed his bottom lip and pulled and Anton whined.
*He meant to say you look beautiful, Ruma.*Said Gellert as he let go of Anton's lip.
*Right.*Mumbled Ruma, looking away.
She was wearing a tight dark green dress held with two strings above her shoulders and the dress ended just above her knees. She wore dark green high heels where her anklet showed. Her long black curvy hair was half tied with pearls. Her small handbag was held with both her hands in front of her.
She had read the runic book intensely after she had succeeded her Animagus form. She had figured out some runewords, and one of them was 'sound' and 'deep love', which meant only those who deeply loved her would hear the sound, explaining Elena, Nathaniel, and her parents hearing it. There was a rune meaning 'lock', but another she could not decipher which probably was the reason why she could not remove it.
*Shall we?*Said Seth as he began his walk towards the building, his joined hands behind his back.
Normally, wizards often saw a vampire or two at the ministry but encountered one maybe once their lifetime. Never to this day had so many vampires been in the same place as wizards. It was not without stupor that their entrance was remarkable on their own and intimidating. The aurors had not bothered identifying them. Seth noticed several aurors were Dumbledore's lackeys, like Alastor Maugrey again.
The vampires took place together, on close tables. Gellert was about to sit when a wand was held at his throat by none other than Graves. Gellert's childes were already surrounding the director with their eyes black as coal, but Gellert had remained calm, his hands opened and up by his head in submission.
*And… you are?*Asked Gellert with a suave voice, perfectly knowing he was never in danger.
Graves looked mad, and his hand was trembling.
*Someone who is going to lose his job, really soon.*Said the minister behind them.
The tension was very high and low growls were heard from vampires.
*GRAVES! Cease this immediately! Grindelwald is not under wizard's jurisdiction and has already purged his sentence with the vampires!*Said Scrimgeour as he placed himself between them.
*That, I did. Didn't I?*Said Gellert with a grin.
Graves put down his wand swiftly and looked around him, then back at Gellert.
*I will expose you, I know you are not done.*Hissed the director before placing his wand in his pocket and going away.
*Whatever makes you happy, son of Percival.*Whispered Gellert.
Scrimgeour turned towards Gellert and made one step back. The minister sighed and went after the director.
*What I said might have been right, but we do not forget, Grindelwald.*Said Rufus before going away at his turn.
Seth had observed the scene from afar, already with wine in his hand. Ruma had spotted Regulus with his parents and excused herself to go to them.
*Mmm, the Blacks.*Said Seth.
*You mean the gorgeous man over there is a Black?*Asked Lazarus beside Seth.
*Which one?*Said Seth, eyeing Arcturus and Orion, sitting on the other side of the room.
*Ooh.*Said Lazarus before licking his lips.
Seth chuckled in his wine glass.
*They don't like vampires. They only want Ruma's wealth and title with their son.*Said the Prince.
*Hmph! An aristocrat with a stick in his ass, there is nothing better.*Said Lazarus with sarcasm.
*Maybe if it's not your stick, Lazarus.*Said Seth mockingly.
A few laughs from the vampires erupted around. The evening was going well, and the conversations were many and interesting. Wine and several alcohols were being served as soon as glasses were empty. Seth had noticed the Potter's presence, without their grand-child. They looked really old with a constant face of sorrow. He looked away and Anton made a giggle.
*Who's on the menu?*Asked Anton loud enough for everyone to hear.
Another round of laughter was heard, but not so much by the wizards.
*Is he… is he serious?*Asked Regulus beside Ruma.
Ruma chuckled and placed a hand in front of her mouth.
*You can never take Anton seriously. Even if they can feed when they don't need to, does not mean they will.*Said Ruma. She pointed at Darthael. *You see that brown haired handsome guy with the dark blue jacket? That's Darthael, and he has already spotted someone willing to give him blood, look at the waiter going away… and yep, Darthael follows.*She added.
Darthael disappeared in a corridor under several amused smiles. Regulus had a shiver and looked away.
*Come on Reg, you'd prefer to see it happening in front of you? Oh… Oh ho.*Said Ruma as she saw Lucius going to what seemed to be the bathroom, followed by… Seth.
*What?*Asked Regulus as he followed her gaze and his eyes widened.
*What is it sweetheart?*Asked Walburga.
Regulus looked away and shook his head.
*Nothing, mother.*Answered Regulus but his cheek went slightly red, and Ruma had a small chuckle again.
OoOoO
Lucius placed his cloak on a hook on the wall and his cane against it before washing his hands in the sink. He looked at the door, his heart thundering on his chest. He knew Seth had followed him. He had locked the door and the prince did not try to get in. Was he just behind it? He kept remembering that time in the ministry, and how he wanted to repeat that moment. He took water in his hands and splashed his face before wiping it dry with a towel. He looked again at the door and moved his hand up towards it, his hand trembling. After a few seconds, he wandlessly unlocked the door and it made a click sound. Nothing happened for another few seconds, and he let out an exhale.
The door handle moved, and Lucius gasped. The door slowly opened and just like he had thought, Seth entered and closed the door behind him. There was something to him that he could not grasp, a feeling in his chest every time he saw the Prince and he could not figure out what it was. Seth was wearing white clothing with golden embroidery, and he could not have worn anything better, or that's what Lucius thought.
Seth had walked to him, and Lucius had stepped back until he hit his back on the wall. The vampire pressed his body on him and took a strand of his hair between his fingers and smelled it. Lucius could also smell Seth's body, wild and woodsy. Seth's left hand had gone behind his head, and his fingers intertwined in his hair. Lucius let out a trembling exhale, a fire beginning in his chest.
*Lucius. So beautiful.*Said Seth quietly but the words resonated in his head.
His desire flared up, and Seth must have felt it as his warm lips crashed on his own, tugging, pulling, and sucking, making his lips swell. His arms had made their way in the prince's back. A tongue flicked on his lips, and they parted to let it in his mouth. He tasted wine, the same expansive wine he had been drinking. Seth had moved his right hand on Lucius's bulge, slowly rubbing up and down, and a moan escape the blonde's lips.
Seth broke the kiss and went directly to Lucius's neck and passed his tongue on it, bringing shivers out of the blonde.
*Please.*Begged Lucius, the fire in his chest grew with immediate need.
A low growl was heard in Seth's throat as his sank his teeth in his neck. A loud moan parted from Lucius's lips, and his fingers closed on Seth's clothes and hair, hanging tightly on whatever they could find. All his nerves were burning with pleasure and the constant stroking on his groin build up his soon to be release, and when Seth decided to tighten his grip behind his head and sinking his teeth deeper, he only saw stars. His knees went weak from his intense climax, almost falling on the floor had it not been Seth still holding him against the wall.
Seth licked again Lucius's neck to close his bite marks and he replaced the blonde's collar and brushed invisible dust off his clothes. He moved his hand in a swift motion and Lucius's hair went back to their smooth appearance. Another snap of his fingers and Lucius felt instantly cleaner in his pants.
*Always a pleasure to taste you, Lucius.*Whispered Seth before turning away, making his way out.
*Wait.*Said Lucius quietly, making Seth stop walking and looking over his shoulder at him.
*Mmm?*Inquired Seth.
*You don't… ah, want anything?*Mumbled Lucius.
Seth turned around again and laughed, crossing his arms.
*You think you have what it takes to please me, Lucius?*Said Seth with a smirk.
He walked to Lucius again and uncrossed his arms before grabbing his collar, making him gasp as a spark of fear went in his eyes.
*The only thing that could perhaps please me is taking you by your pretty pink rich behind while you scream my name.*Hissed Seth so quietly, Lucius almost did not hear him.
A few seconds passed as Seth stared at him, then he clicked his tongue, turned, and left the bathroom, leaving Lucius breathing heavily.
OoOoO
*Hey Reg, where's your brother?*Whispered Ruma beside him.
Regulus looked at his mother who pursed her lips. She had heard the question.
*He… um.*Began Regulus, but his mother interrupted him.
*What is she talking about? You don't have a brother! I don't want to hear it again!*Said Walburga angrily.
Regulus stayed silent and Ruma didn't say anything more. She crossed her legs, making her anklet chime.
*I love the sounds that makes. Who gave it to you?*Asked Regulus.
Her eyes widened.
*You… you can hear it? Oh… uh (…) Gellert gave it to me, you were there when I received it. Oh, you were… reading the newspaper.*Said Ruma, realizing he did not notice at the time.
*What's so special about me hearing it?*Asked Regulus.
Her cheeks went red, and she did not know what to answer when the minister went to the elevated floor and began to speak. The music died down for everyone to hear her. She saw Seth coming back from the bathroom, and going near the elevated floor, waiting.
*Good evening, everyone! I am proud, and happy, to see so many willing families to defend our country from a common threat. We are going through dark times, and it is reassuring to know we can count on you, all here present. To mention our main contributors, we have the Vulkens…*Said the minister and clapping followed the mention of the name. Lucius was seen making his way back to his table. *Yes, the wizarding community has let vampires work with us, and we could not be more grateful of their acceptance. We have the Malfoy family.*Continued Jenkins and another round of applause erupted. *The blacks, and the Potters, bless your soul.*Said the minister. When the applauses died down, the minister cleared her throat.
*Thank you for making this all possible. In hope that the new measures protects us further, I look forward to a time where we will reunite for other reasons… victory and harmony. And now, a word from Seth Vulken.*Finished Jenkins and she joined the claps as Seth made his way in her place.
Seth lifted his arms in the air, then bowed.
*Thank you. Thank you… I want to remind everyone, that everything is possible because of my father, Nathaniel. Approaching the incredible age of 567 years old, he very well made our fortune with the help of goblins and actually… muggles with some of the major banks in the world. I believe some of the wizarding families even made their fortune with the help of vampires.*Said Seth, who made a pause, and looked slowly at the Blacks and Malfoy.
They seemed uncomfortable, but Seth did not care, and cleared his throat. The photographer for the daily prophet took a picture of him, just like he did when the minister spoke.
*It is a pleasure to help the defence of this nation, to this republic.*Said Seth slowly, making pause between words as he looked across the room. *We are forever -devoted to… the democracy you all make.*Finished Seth with a pleased smile.
Even though he made it sound like he was loyal to the ministry, he meant its structure, not its leaders. He made a wide smile as clapping was heard from everyone. He curtly bowed again and made its way towards Gellert's table. The music went on again and the evening pursued its course.
*I could not have said it better.*Said Gellert.
*Oh yes, you would have.*Said Seth.
Dorian stood up and gestured Seth to take his place. Seth sat down and a wine bottle poured its content into a glass beside him. Seth crossed his legs and laid his back against his chair. A young brown-haired man approached him.
*That's Bartemius Crouch's son, he bears the same name, just add junior. He's already a deatheater.*Thought Danyck.
Seth locked eyes with the boy and felt a resistance. The boy must be truly powerful, and mad, to defy his father like that.
*Apparently knows Occlumency too.*Thought Seth.
The boy curtly bowed before speaking. Seth briefly looked at Ruma from far away, she must have been the one to tip off Lucius about the boy.
*Excuse me, sir. I was wondering if you could tell me if there is a way to know if one is susceptible to develop telekinesis after being turned into a vampire?*Asked Barty.
Seth looked at him with an amused smile. That boy wanted to be a vampire but was not wanting to let go of his magic that easily. Gellert's childes looked at him with interest.
*Yes, there is.*Answered simply Seth.
He did know, because he had felt it with Danyck before he turned him, and he even tasted the difference as he had made him his childe. He also knew that no wizards would ever have to worry about their magic should he accept the bond right away. Seth suddenly wondered if Gellert's childes were previous wizards. A smile went on the boy's face.
*Would you be able to tell with me, then?*Asked Barty, his eyes full of hope.
Seth moved a finger, pointing briefly at Bartemius Crouch Senior.
*I am not so sure Daddy would approve of this, boy.*Said Seth.
The expression on the boy's face changed to a grimace.
*I don't need my father's approval for my life decision.*Said Junior.
*Maybe, but you are still a child and we do not touch children. To answer your question, I would need to drink your blood.*Said Seth.
*Why?*Asked Barty. His question was not about the blood, but rather why they do not touch children. *I mean, I will be seventeen in eight months!*He continued.
Seth had a dark laugh and drank from his glass before talking again.
*Don't worry about something like that, Barty. Now, move along.*Said Seth as he made a hand movement to dismiss him.
Barty's face became flustered, and he huffed before leaving. Alastor Maugrey had been listening and had a constant frown on his face.
*Mr. Maugrey. I heard you captured yet again another deatheater recently.*Said Seth and the other vampires were now all fixing him and he seemed unphased by the attention.
*There's still plenty of place in Azkaban for all of them.*Said Maugrey.
*Mmm. I wonder what it feels like. The despair. Would you know any of that, Mr. Maugrey?*Asked Seth.
The auror grunted then went away. Seth chuckled and now looked at Gellert.
*Tell me, you have been busy, I have heard.*Said Seth before taking a sip of wine.
Gellert joined his hands together and smiled.
*Your father has allowed me to apparate. I took that opportunity to go to America where I heard rumours about my old… alliance. May I present to you… Abernathy, Marvin, Vinda, Cassius, Nagel, and Frieda.*Said Gellert.
Each time he had said a name, they nodded in answer. He noticed they were all in their late sixties, but that did not deter them from becoming his childes, apparently. Gellert looked at him intensely, screaming a silent demand with his eyes. He knew what he wanted him to do, they wanted their magic back, and only through Seth could they have it back.
His blood.
*Nice to… meet you.*Said Seth quietly, but was suddenly feeling an unease.
He placed his glass on the table and looked at his father on a further table. Seth had a feeling his father was in danger, because of the power he held over Gellert. Danyck and Corban went behind Seth as he stood up. A tension rose among the vampires.
*Gellert, you want a second war, when we are already in the middle of one?*Asked Seth.
*You misunderstand his intentions.*Said Vinda.
Seth looked at her with disgust, then his eyes went back on Gellert.
*She's talking for you, now? Was she your lieutenant back then?*Hissed Seth.
Gellert stood up too and went close to Seth.
*Come with me.*Said Gellert. Seth frowned as he tried to understand his intentions. *Leave Britain. Let them have their war.*He continued.
*To go where? In America?*Asked Seth.
*Somewhere we shall not hide.*Answered Gellert with a glimmer in his eyes.
He wanted to break the statute of secrecy again.
*You can't do that, Gellert. We are vampires, and muggles pose a bigger threat to us. We are not enough.*Said Seth as he shook his head.
He thought about how bad the wars already were between muggles themselves, then between wizards. He thought about how Voldemort was already getting power all over Britain and exposing the wizards to muggles. Once he takes control, there will no longer be any hiding, and vampires laws will change.
From the table where Ruma was sitting with the Blacks, they had been observing Seth, especially after she saw Danyck and Corban going behind him. Then Gellert had stood up, too.
*What's going on?*Asked Regulus.
*Nothing good.*Said Ruma. *But if the aurors get involved, this will end badly.*She added before standing up and walking to Seth.
Seth was still arguing with Gellert when he heard Ruma's anklet as she walked to them.
*Little bird.*Said Gellert.
*Why do you keep calling her that?*Said Seth, but Gellert chuckled in answer.
*Whatever you guys are arguing about, I doubt this is the place to do so.*Said Ruma.
*Who's that… oh.*Began Vinda but she flinched as Gellert looked at her sternly.
In fact, all his childes brought their hands to their heads. Seth deduced they were very recent childes, not knowing what had transpired during the last years at all. Ruma was uncomfortable and just like she thought, Graves went once again towards them.
*What seems to be the problem?*Asked the director.
Seth turned towards him and placed a hand on the director's chest, lightly pushing him away. Graves stepped back and knocked Seth's hand away with his arm.
*Nothing that concerns you. We were leaving soon enough.*Said Seth with venom. *Mín na- awaui.*Added Seth in Venthyr.
On this simple order, every vampire stopped talking, or bid good-bye to whom they were with and promptly made their way out. Ruma made a sigh as they saw them leaving and she looked over her shoulder at Regulus. She waved her hand and he waved back before she hurried behind Seth.
*That Prince said one thing, one single thing, and no one questioned his order I assumed was to leave. Vampires obeys their royalty as if they were imperiused.*Said Orion.
*That is the precise reason why you should never do anything to one. Just like wolves, they would all hunt you down.*Said Lucius behind them.
*Mr. Malfoy? What would you know of this, mmm?*Asked Arcturus.
*Just like everyone else. I assume you read the book about them?*Said Lucius with a twitch of his lip, repressing a grin.
Arcturus's eyes drifted away, and he cleared his throat.
*Obviously.*He said, clearly lying.
*Then you would remember that there's royalty within their society. They obey their monarchy without fail.*Said Lucius. *Lord black.*Finished the blonde while doing a curt bow and leaving, with Narcissa behind him.
OoOoO
Most of them had taken the floo network back at Diagonalley for Vulken's estate in Egypt while Darthael and some others had stayed in London. Galea and Steven had taken a portkey to the castle.
*I'll just… go in my room.*Said Ruma.
*No.*Said Gellert, and Ruma stopped midway in the stairs, looking over her shoulders at Gellert.
*You think she won't get traumatised with the things she will hear?*Asked Corban.
Gellert chuckled.
*She has seen or heard worse than what we are about to discuss. And, I thought she was the Vulken's heir?*Said Gellert.
Ruma turned to face them as they all looked up at her, all seventeen pairs of eyes. She thought she should have felt unease or fear, but she did not. She went back down the stairs, and they made their way to an office room where they all settled around a table. The King went in front of Danyck and grabbed his chin fiercely.
*Cin sal' ú- ped- ad- anui nad cin vedui- hi, na anui er. Danyck.*Said the King in Venthyr, binding Seth's childe.
Danyck swallowed and nodded. Nathaniel let go of his chin and went back to sit beside his wife. It was necessary, for he was now the only one with the dark mark upon his arm. Gellert's childes had not been aware of this power the King had, and clear unease was seen on their faces.
*We want to know what you are doing, Seth.*Said Gellert.
*I made our way in the ministry, while Voldemort brings chaos in the country. When he takes over, I will change the laws to the ones we want them to be, not how they want it to be.*Said Seth.
*Meaning?*Asked Gellert.
*Just like you wanted, Gellert. No muggle shall reign as leaders in this world. No muggle shall have the power to kill wizards and vampires. No muggle should destroy this planet with weapons and technology, polluting our air and our waters.*Said Seth.
A round of approval was heard.
*So, you are letting Voldemort do the dirty work with his followers, keeping yourself, and us, from being harmed as he does.*Said Abernathy.
*Precisely.*Said Seth.
*What is to say he won't kill us after he is done? I do not think a man like him would share his power.*Asked Vinda.
Seth stared at Vinda for a moment. Her concern was genuine. He had never told Gellert what he had done to Voldemort, nor the duel he had with Dumbledore. He rubbed his chest where the locket was, hidden behind his shirt.
*Until that moment comes, you can rely on me to keep every one of you protected.*Said Seth.
*What about Dumbledore? Isn't he the reason why Voldemort has a hard time taking over? The same reason Gellert could not?*Asked Nagel, the black man.
Gellert pursed his lips and Nagel winced at a silent mental blow. Seth made a smirk.
*Dumbledore is not a threat to vampires. You are faster and stronger than him, you can thank Gellert for that now, Nagel.*Said Seth.
*Then why is he still alive?*Asked Cassius.
*Because that old sot is fun to have around, is he not?*Asked the prince.
A few laughs were heard around the table.
*Dumbledore is what is keeping the structure as we know it. By letting him alive, I secured our well-being.*Added Seth.
*Letting him alive? You confronted him?*Asked Gellert.
The vampires fidgeted in their seats.
*Hmph. He asked for a duel. I defeated him. Period.*Said Seth quietly.
Gellert stood up.
*He knows you still have magic? …What do you mean you defeated him?*Asked Gellert and his eye twitched.
*So, it's true then? You can give us back our magic?*Interrupted Vinda.
Seth chuckled again, but the King stood up too.
He was mad, eyes black as coal.
Gellert sat back down slowly, and Elena placed a hand on her husband's hand. Ruma was shaking and she joined her hands together under the table and looked down.
*Cin ceri- ú- gar- na teilien as nin réd's cuil.*Said the King menacingly.
Vinda sank down her chair.
*That… was far from my intentions… my K…King.*Stuttered Vinda.
*Father, please sit down. It was not my intentions, either. Is it not, Gellert?*Hissed Seth.
Gellert had made vampires from wizards that expected him to just give back their magic. Doing that to Gellert had nearly cost him his life and never thought he would have to do it again, let alone to six other persons. Nathaniel sat back down, his eyes going back to their icy blue. Seth took out his wand and turned it between his fingers.
*Yes, Dumbledore knows I am a wizard. I believe Mr. Scamander found a way to tell him, going around the magical pact I had him bound to. Albus provoked me to a duel after the national defense reunion. I brought him to our island, not wanting for other eyes to see this. His magic was, of course, impressive. He could have won multiple times, should I not have been a vampire.*Said Seth, answering Gellert.
Gellert's hands turned into fists. His childes held their heads in pain, feeling his anger.
*Give me back my magic. I don't deserve this!*Said Gellert with a mad desperation in his voice.
He could not tell if he had asked Nathaniel or himself. Sweat had appeared on Gellert's forehead. The magic in the room shifted and became heavy. Seth looked at his father with defiance. He wondered for a moment… for a single moment if he could oppose his father. This had been going long enough. He suddenly felt different, as if the magic in the room had gone into his body. His heartbeat accelerated and he stood up. The vampires were looking down as if Seth's aura was overpowering them.
Seth made a clicking sound with his tongue, alarming Corban and Danyck who stood up, and Danyck grabbed Ruma's hand, pulling her away from the table who vanished with a swish movement of Seth's wand. Clatter of glass and wine bottles were heard as they went on the floor. A second later, everybody was up, and the chairs vanished just as fast. Seth pointed his wand at his father.
*Rist- cín gar- bo hon.*Ordered Seth.
He felt the power of his words going to his father and knew right then, he would obey. The room was silent, except for a light cracking sound of glass under the shoes of vampires moving behind Seth. Elena looked down and a tear fell down her cheek.
*You don't need to ask me, my King.*Said Nathaniel quietly before he knelt, placing a hand on his heart.
Everyone else in the room knelt without hesitating. Seth could now feel something on his head. A crown had magically made its way on him.
*It's the crown from Gringotts.*Thought Danyck.
Seth lowered his wand. He felt as if his wand was obsolete, like something he did not need anymore. He also felt as light as a feather, as if he could apparate anywhere in the whole world without effort. Was the power of the crown as legendary as its been told? He walked in front of Gellert and bent his knees, taking his chin between his fingers and lifting his head.
*I knew this day would come, I did not know when.*Said Gellert.
*N- a curunir ad-, Gellert Grindelwald.*Said Seth.
Venthyr meaning
*Mín na- awaui.*
*We are leaving.*
*Cin sal' ú- ped- ad- anui nad cin vedui- hi, na anui er.*
*You shall not say anything you hear tonight, to anyone.*
*Cin ceri- ú- gar- na teilien as nin réd's cuil.*
*You do not get to play with my son's life*
*Rist- cín gar- bo hon*
*Remove your hold on him*
*N- a curunir ad-.*
*Be a wizard again.*