The purpose part 25 More than an heir
Chapter 71
Dumbledore looked at the first years coming in. McGonagall began to call names which started with *Avery, Harper.*. A short brown-haired boy with brown eyes went to sit on the stool. The sorting hat was on his head for a second before calling *Slytherin!* and the Slytherin table cheered for their new snake. Minerva pursed her lips and trembled slightly. Albus had asked her if she wanted to take a few days off for the murder of her family, which she had refused. The second boy was a spitting image of his brother Sirius Black but was also placed in Slytherin. The balance turned and the other students were sorted in the other houses.
*Ruma Vulken.*Called Minerva.
The Daily Prophet had exploded in comments and owls the day before. A brand-new alliance between the vampires and ministry was cited, with the vampire prince on the front-page shaking hands with the minister. Not without surprise, whispers were immediately heard from every table, causing an uproar, which Dumbledore had to intervene.
*Silence!*Yelled Dumbledore as he stood up.
Ruma sighed, her name had not been changed like she wanted. Perhaps because it was considered as a middle name. Nevertheless, she proudly went towards the stool and sat on it.
*Now, before I get sorted… No, I am not his daughter and I am NOT a vampire!*Said Ruma as her cheeks burned.
Something about talking in front of the whole staff and students made her uneasy.
*But you bear his name! They are the only ones with that name!*Said a student from the Gryffindor table.
*Thank you, Mr. Prewett.*Said Dumbledore.
Minerva placed the sorting hat on Ruma's head.
*Oh my, such ambitions, and… Vulken's heir, there is not much choice for you.*Said the sorting hat.
*Vulken's heir? I was just born there, I just told everyone he is not my father! I'm muggle-born! If you send me to Slytherin, wouldn't that counter what Salazar thought?*Said Ruma in her thoughts.
*Don't try to fool me with that. I see through your soul, and you are no different than the cunning little Vulken snake that went through these walls. Let me tell you one thing, young lady, there has been plenty of muggle-borns in Slytherin throughout the years, they just hid it very well, because I do a very good job into choosing the Slytherins. Now, you may be a bit spontaneous, but you have so much ambitions towards the vampires, your very soul screams it to me and nothing will stop you so… SLYTHERIN!*Shouted the sorting hat.
*HA! And then, we have to stop judging.*Screamed James potter.
*Mr. Potter, in my office after the feast.*Said Minerva.
The named James Potter looked exasperated. There were polite claps as Ruma made her way to the Snake's table. She went to sit beside Regulus, her chin way up. The sorting ended with Rosanne Yaxley, also placed in Slytherin. Dumbledore stood up welcoming the students and the feast appeared.
*Rosanne? Hi, are you by any chance related to Corban Yaxley?*Asked Ruma who was sitting in front of her.
*Yes, he is my uncle and he actually told me about you. The blonde guy over there, his name is Lucius Malfoy, he is head prefect and was married four days ago with… that woman over there, Narcissa Black, now Malfoy. Mr. Vulken was at the wedding, like mentioned in the newspaper, and so did I, because of my family.*Said Rosanne as she had pointed to Lucius, then Narcissa on the other end of the table.
*My cousin.*Mumbled Regulus.
*Oh, it's… a little like the vampire isle, I would guess. You all seem related in some way.*Said Ruma.
*Well, that's how it should be! Keeping the blood as pure as it can be! So, if you are not a vampire then, why do you bear their name?*Said Harper, the other first year overhearing them.
Ruma's cheeks went red again. She ate a piece of bread before talking.
*I was born on the island, that is all I'm going to say.*Said Ruma.
*Born there? There's wizards living there?*Asked Harper.
Ruma smiled at his ironic question.
*Yes, there are. Stop inquiring more about me. There should be a new vampire book being released before winter, that should answer all of your questions.*Said Ruma before taking a sip of juice.
*Really? Do you know who wrote it?*Asked Rosanne.
*Newton Scamander.*Said Ruma, and she thought she saw Dumbledore look at her for a moment.
*Well, he is renowned. How interesting.*Said Rosanne.
*Renowned for meddling with creatures and beasts and almost dying for it.*Said Avery with a scoff.
*So what? He is successful, does your family have anything to be proud of? Except for your exquisite blood?*Said Ruma before she kissed her finger and made a loud satisfying sound, which made Regulus and Rosanne snicker.
If they would even believe she had anything to do with vampires, then she would do her worst into making them all cry under these assumptions. Harper's ears went red in anger but had nothing to retorque.
*You know… you will be approached by older students, Ruma. Are you even aware you are wearing the most expansive robes…? Only Lucius has the same clothing material as you.*Said Regulus.
*Wha…? I don't… oh.*Said Ruma as she looked at herself.
She had never noticed such things. She grew up with the King and Queen, giving her whatever she ever wanted. She had not even noticed Seth speaking with the tailor about that detail. She found the silk material so comfortable. She was wearing normal muggle clothing underneath and now that Regulus mentioned it, she paid more attention to how the others looked and he had been right.
*The deed is done, you can't really blame yourself if you were not the one buying for them.*Said Rosanne.
*But what do you mean by approached? Why would I… oh… No, No way, you have that policy here?*Asked Ruma, shocked.
*Only among pure-bloods… usually. Everything is about courting, money, and politics. Even using children… we are born into that, brought into that thinking. Hell, if my mother learns about you, she will try to make me court you and depending on who is the legal guardian of you, you might just have no say into that.*Said Regulus quietly.
*We are 11 for god damn sake!*Said Ruma.
Regulus chuckled at her swear.
*You were clearly not raised by wizards. Whatever you are doing in Slytherin… Well I hope you aren't made of glass in there.*Said Regulus as he pointed at her heart.
She pondered a long time until it was time that the prefects shows the new students their common room. They followed Lucius to the dungeons, and they came in front of a stone wall where Lucius said *Emerald* and the wall slid sideways to let them pass. When they were all in, Lucius made a blank face before speaking.
*Here in Slytherin, everything stays between these walls, you don't fight each other outside of here and stop confronting the Gryffindors! Especially alone… Seek a 6th or 7th year to heal any wounds before seeing Mme Pomfrey at the infirmary. Use discretion for what you do and if you have snuck a familiar or object that is illegal, you are responsible for it. The head of house is Professor Slughorn, the potion master.*Said Lucius as Narcissa went beside him and took his free hand in hers.
The common room door opened again to let in a rather plump man, but with an aristocratic look.
*Hello lads! I'm sure Mr. Malfoy here had time to introduce me, I am your head of house, Horace Slughorn, and pleased to see so many new faces again this year. I love stories, no… I adore them. You can always count on me to listen to you if you have a good story to share, just like the young Malfoy here, happily married to Narcissa, not any more than four days ago. So young and ready! Already with a foot in the ministry, if that helps any young here about how far you can go with the right ambition. I always expect my snakes to have the goodest of behavior. First rule: Don't get caught. Second rule: Never make a scene, stay calm and collected. Third rule: Don't get emotionally involved. Good night.*Said Slughorn with a smug smile and a wink at the end of his little speech.
The first years looked at each other after the professor had gone.
*Rules to not make murders, that's what. What's rule number four? Don't kill innocent?* Said Ruma quietly and Rosanne repressed a laugh.
She had said it quietly, but she was near Lucius, and she was sure he had heard her.
Chapter 72 (September 4th 1970)
Assaulted by owls could not have been a better term, or perhaps a storm of feathers. A pile of letters was on his desk along with the finished copy and approval letter from Damocles Rowle. A satisfied smile went on his lips as he finished reading the letter.
*Kodrey.*Called Seth and the small nose, long eared elf apparated.
They had finally stopped bowing after so many times he had repeated it. He gave the book to him and a letter for Dumbledore.
*Have this book copied three hundred times for each wizarding schools and send this letter with a personal copy of the book for Albus Dumbledore. Make the letter charmed so it can only be read after he has gone through the whole book first. Have also a hundred copies delivered to Flourish and Botts and a hundred more copies to whichever library desires to hold this book. That will be all.*Said Seth.
*Right away, Master.*Said Kodrey before disapparating.
Seth sat down behind his desk and looked at the names and writings of the senders until he saw Ruma's name in the corner of a letter.
Prince Vulken,
I was sorted in Slytherin. The first impressions were not great, since my name screamed our family ties, somewhat. I have made acquaintances with Rosanne Yaxley and Regulus Black. I believe you saw them at Malfoy's wedding. I was made aware of something that disturbs me among pure-bloods, and I would like to know if it concerns me. Wedding arrangements are made between pure-bloods as soon as they get into Hogwarts. Regulus has warned me I might get approached due to your fortune and status. Do you have power over this issue, or my parents do? The sorting hat mentioned I was the Vulken's heir. Please, I want to know what you expect of me. Ruma Thomas Vulken.
*Vulken's heir? Colpy!*Said Seth and the elf with the smallest ears apparated.
*Yes, master.*Said Colpy.
*What exactly is Ruma to you?*Asked Seth.
*The… princess, sir.*Said Colpy, hesitating.
*Why?*Asked Seth.
*Because she is a witch born in this castle. No one else ever did, except… you, sir?*Said Colpy.
*So, everything is about magic?*Asked Seth.
*It… always has been. But it became truer as soon as her mother was your childe. She would be considered your vampiric grand-child.*Said Colpy.
*I see. You can go.*Said Seth.
Seth laid back on his chair, his hands resting on his lap and stared at Corban who was now always with him. They figured they would use him as his 'personal' wizard, so there would be no question as how he traveled or if he needed magic. Danyck passed his time in the mirror room. He had started to use his telekinesis to fly, but it required a lot of energy, for now.
*A princess.* Said Corban.
*So, what should I do with that information? Talk with my parents?*Asked Seth.
*Something tells me they already know… they did raise her. I think it's up to you.*Said Corban.
Seth stayed silent and now stared at Ruma's letter. 'What you expect of me?'. He took a blank paper and started writing back to her. Corban went out to get an owl. When Seth was done, he called Colpy again.
*Bring me a box of sweets.*Said Seth and the elf apparated away.
He placed the letter aside and read another letter, with the Black's coat of arms.
Prince Vulken,
I remember you now, the little white-haired boy from Hogwarts. You took interest in my wife, as I can see. She can't shut her yap about you. My father, Arcturus Black, has taken the liberty of investigating your origins, but we just recently learned that you have an heir at Hogwarts. We suspect she is not of noble blood, but her position is too great to not make an exception. You were once a wizard of great power, and if you accept my son, Regulus Black, to court her, Arcturus may consider helping your influence within the ministry.
Orion Black
Seth took the letter he wrote to Ruma and burned it, only to make another one. He couldn't care less about her feelings if it actually meant for him to gain more influence. Corban came back with an owl and Colpy made a box of sweets appear on his desk.
*Using her? You want to tie the Blacks to your family?*Said Corban.
*And why not? You are missing my intentions, Corban.*Said Seth with a smirk.
Corban followed his thoughts and realized what he truly wanted to do.
*She's a Slytherin, she can pretend just enough for me to get what I want, without any weddings. I'm pretty sure this letter is only the beginning. If she is smart enough, she will be very useful.*Said Seth.
He wrapped the letter and the box of sweet and gave it to Corban who attached it to the owl before sending it out. Seth continued to read some letters where a few of them were asking for donations. Others were invitation for soirees to know more about him. Like he had thought, a few other families inquired about Ruma, and he couldn't help himself but glee at the circumstances.
*What is his plan, then?*Asked Corban.
Seth let the letter he had in his hands on his desk and went near Corban.
*He will ask Rookwood to make a Portkey for the giants. It might take a few months, to make it so the giants won't get splinched. Other than that, getting more followers, maybe imperius a couple, like he loves to do. He might get the werewolves…*Said Seth.
*Werewolves? Why do I cringe just thinking about them?*Said Corban.
*I believe something happened when vampires and werewolves were created, since I know a god created us.*Said Seth, now his mouth an inch away from Corban.
Corban closed the gap and went for Seth's lips with eagerness, his hands quickly moving behind his head and back to bring him closer. As Corban was removing Seth's shirt, the prince moved his hand towards the door and cast several spells wandlessly. What a wonderful day this was.
Chapter 73
Ruma
Since your mother is my childe, it seems you have inherited more than just the Vulken's name. You will be approached by many, and I want you to act like any pure-blood should. I expect you to not disappoint me.
Seth Vulken, vampire prince
The words were short and cold, and she felt as if she had taken a cold shower. She stared at the little box of sweets with wonder. It seemed to counter the harsh words with a nice thought. 'I expect you to not disappoint me' She heard it in his voice and thought about how he would have said it. She sure as hell would do everything to do just that. She closed her eyes and placed the letter on her chest, taking a deep breath. This was going to be the hardest assignment for the seven years to come. She could do it, no…, she will do it.
*Did you receive a love letter for you to hold it to your heart like that?*Asked Rosanne as she sat beside her to eat her lunch.
*No… it's, from him. He answered me.*Said Ruma.
*He took the time to answer you? Let me see!*Said Rosanne.
Ruma hesitated but gave her the letter. She frowned as she read it and gave it back when she was done.
*More than just the Vulken's name? Does that really mean what I think?*Said Rosanne and Ruma nodded.
*The heir… or princess.*Said Ruma quietly.
*Well, don't expect me to call you, your majesty, anytime soon.*Chuckled Rosanne.
*Oh, really. I'm going to bring my servants to punish you, Yaxley.*Laughed Ruma.
They laughed for a moment, then Ruma opened the little box which contained an assortment of muggle candies. Rosanne was curious and Ruma let her pick some. She took what resembled a raspberry and her face lit up after tasting it.
*Wow, this is way better than any sweets on diagonalley.*Said Rosanne.
*Well, at least they will never have garbage taste like those flavor beans.*Said Ruma.
Rosanne frowned.
*How exactly were you raised? And where? You have always known you were a wizard, right?*Said Rosanne.
*Yes…, I was raised in Egypt. My mother… is actually a vampire. My father is the vice-president of Africa. I was raised by vampires and goblins. I did meet a lot of wizards since the…, er, well, Seth's parents work at the wizarding bank of Egypt.*Said Ruma quietly as her cheeks went redder and redder.
*Merlin, you got to be kidding me. You really are a damn princess.*Said Rosanne.
Ruma took a sandwich from the table tray and began to eat so she would not speak anymore. Rosanne respected that and herself began to eat. When they were done, they made their way to potions class.
OoOoO
Dumbledore felt uneasy and stressed. It usually took a lot for him to lose his composure. Fumseck looked at him worryingly and made a chirp. He was pacing around his office, like he always did when thinking. A parcel appeared on his desk in a pop. The house-elves always delivered his mail in this matter. He stopped his pacing and went to sit, eyeing at the obvious book with a letter on it. The book was made a leather with golden letters saying 'Vampires'. Of course, not really surprising after the stunt Seth Vulken had done at Malfoy's wedding. He took the letter and frowned, as a single phrase appeared before fading away.
This letter can only be read after you finish this book, Dumbledore.
A strong charm indeed. It had about a hundred pages and was made by Newton Scamander. His frown deepened as he saw the author's name. His old friend had met with the Vulkens? He always had been curious about any creatures. Figuring he had to go through it to read the letter, he opened the book at the first chapter, called 'The creation'.
As he read, he thought about the little white-haired boy Seth once was. Charming, just like Tom, but different. He had left school to actually go to a war he had not been aware of. Just after he had defeated Grindelwald. 'The vampire Prince, Seth Vulken, had to abandon his studies, and go accomplish his duties to a war where blood-enraged vampires roamed everywhere. He eventually was sired and became a true vampire, leaving his magic behind.' Read Dumbledore. Had Tom asked Seth to form an alliance? The only instance in which vampires could have done something with deatheaters resided in Alastor's memories, which he refused to give him, saying it was traumatic enough he never wanted to think about it again. He had read the report and it said that two victims had their necks sliced with a curse.
And now, giants were residing in a French city, protected behind barriers where the ministry refused to do anything, muggles kept disappearing, the McGonagalls were murdered a week ago, a little girl with Vulken's name was now in Hogwarts and Seth went public… This book… He continued reading and was shocked as he arrived at the dementor's origins. 'They are not affected by dementors since they originated from dead old vampires' Read the headmaster. Their island was near Azkaban, or more the contrary, and that was the reason why dementors were there. Albus realized that is why they established their own laws and rules, which he had read earlier, for a vampire could not be sent to Azkaban.
He was at the last page around dinner time. Notable vampires : Seth Vulken, Nathaniel, Elena, Brian, Vincent, William, Sanguini, Gellert Grindelwald… He paused. His eyes staring at the name of his former foe. He quickly read the other names so he could read the letter from Seth.
Congratulations Mr. Dumbledore,
You now know more about us than anyone ever did. Unless you count the hundreds of copies being distributed as you read this, including your school. I'm sure you have questions about your former lover. Send him an owl. Have you ever met a vampire, Mr. Dumbledore? I look forward to seeing you again.
Seth Vulken, vampire prince
Gellert Grindelwald would no longer be able to do magic then. He had been no longer under the ministry's jurisdiction… for how long? 'Send him an owl.' To tell him what, after 30 long years? A dreadful feeling got to him, what if Tom did get an alliance with vampires? What relation did Seth exactly have with Gellert? He thought about the little Ruma Vulken… just how much did she even know? What did Newton Scamander know? His thoughts overlapped non-stop, one question not waiting for the other. One thing was certain, he had to know Seth's real intentions, he had to meet him.
