A vampire's kiss can be many things. A scorching burn to every nerve in your body, similar to a cruciatus if you ever had the misfortune into experimenting the curse. It could be nothing, a slight pinch on your skin as the vampire only means to feed or has no experience. The last thing it can do, also given when making a childe, is similar to the building of an orgasm, sometimes even reaching it with just that. It has been told to be very addictive and victims could end begging for it. – Seth Vulken
The purpose part 28 Mein Liebling
Chapter 79 (June 1971)
Ruma made herself known, even in her first year, for deals and bargains. Anyone could obtain anything through her, from a small dangerous object to knowledge found somewhere else on the planet or even placing a behavior curse on a student, should her end of the bargain be favorable. No teachers were able to come to the source of the things that happened within the school, for she was clever with the deals she made and bound the students in a way only she knew. She even had dared to ask Seth to imperius the Zonko shop's owner, after carefully spelling a privacy charm and sending the letter out of bounds of school with her owl. She wanted to be able to buy anything without restrictions. He had replied several days later with three simple words : It is done. Ruma had taken all her ideas from Gellert. She was going to the library when she saw Lucius speaking with Severus.
*I'm sure you can handle a few Gryffindors, Severus…*Said Lucius.
Every Slytherin knew Severus had been bullied by some lions because he was friendly with Lily Evans. Severus had taken a liking and admiration for the blonde, and it resulted into Lucius protecting him over the last three years, but now he would be leaving soon as he was in his last year. Lucius looked at Ruma pass beside them and had a sudden realisation.
*Why don't you strike a deal with Vulken?*Whispered Lucius through his teeth.
Ruma had heard it and slowed her walking, before turning her heels and going to them. She eyed Severus from head to toe and made a sly smile.
*Starting next year, show me how you think in potions in exchange for my services.*Said Ruma before looking at Lucius and making her way back to the library.
*She's a first year! How could she possibly…*Started Severus, frowning, but Lucius caught him off.
*She has direct access to Gellert Grindelwald and Seth Vulken, how else could you even think she holds every end of her bargain?*Said Lucius coldly.
OoOoO
An uproar had started in the dining hall upon receiving the daily prophet. The dark mark was in front page again and the title was Giants attacking Britain, what is the ministry doing to stop this threat? It made many students nervous. The Headmaster called for calm again remembering everyone they were safe within these walls.
*Well, we have him, don't we?*Said Remus half confident.
He was always grateful for Dumbledore, he had made so many accommodations for him to simply attend school, just like planting the whomping willow. He tried several times to calm his friends into not making mischievous behavior, although he did like to follow their leads sometimes. He still could not count how many times they had to clean the trophy room.
*Oh, just look at Lucy reading those newspaper, I bet he can't wait to join the fight to destroy even more muggle cities.*Said Sirius with a clear disdain in his voice.
They looked at the blonde Slytherin who had a blank expression as he read the newspaper. Ruma did not know how to feel. She learned Seth had gone to get the giants a year ago, only because Anton said things out loud a bit too much. She had no idea if he had anything to do with them appearing suddenly in Britain and she hoped he was not, simply because she did not want him to get caught. Let the Dark Lord take all the blame, and it looked to go in that direction because the dark mark screamed Voldemort's fault. She placed the newspapers down and took a bite of peanut buttered toast when a third year Slytherin approached her.
*Vulken, I want something.*Said the boy.
*Rude. Who are you?*Asked Ruma, not looking at him right away.
The boy looked around and some students were listening to them.
*Name's Barty J, I'll find you later.*Said the boy.
Ruma eyed him head to toe and thought it might be Crouch's son. A tall guy was beside him and looked nasty, as if trying to intimidate her. They turned away and left and she bit into her toast again.
*What do you think he wants?*Asked Rosanne.
*I think his father is Bartemius Crouch, and he bears the same name. I bet his father won't let him touch anything dark… so nothing will surprise me.*Said Ruma.
*He'll have to hurry if he wants anything from you. There's only exams left, then school is done.*Said Rosanne.
They finished their breakfast and went for their transfiguration examination. Bartemius Jr knew Ruma would have been done first because he had waited for her outside of the classroom. His lackey was not there.
*I want the fire book. The one that has the means to teach Fiendfyre.*Whispered Bartemius.
Ruma made a serious face. There was no way she would give that to him. He was taller than her and looked nothing like his father. He was more feminine and had a little something elegant.
*As much as I'd love to give that to you, I very well know you have no means to master that spell, nor would you have anything worthwhile to deal it for, Barty.*Said Ruma through her teeth.
A slight panic passed into the boy's eyes and Ruma frowned.
*The… the mind book, then?*Said Bartemius.
Another student had left the classroom and eyed them before going away.
*And… what do I get?*Asked Ruma.
*My father is the head of magical law enforcement. Everything you do is illegal. Perhaps… my tongue could get loose if you don't give me what I want.*Said Barty.
*You clearly do not know me well enough. You think you are the only one that made threats against me? You have no proof to anything, and you just banned yourself from anything to do with me.*Said Ruma with venom in her voice and proudly left the hall.
Chapter 80 (End of June, 1971)
School year was done, and Seth went to get Ruma from Vulken's estate in Egypt. From the dozen of things she had asked him, he figured she would need personal training, especially since now he knew she would be very influential. She had been clever and surely not without Gellert's help too for sure. The King had finally authorized him to speak with Gellert again, which Anton had reacted very actively by babbling every joke and stupidities he could think of. Apparently, the King's bound he previously had, had affected Gellert's childes too.
They were talking in the hall as Seth was preparing to leave with Ruma, when he felt Dumbledore's power coming closer to the estate. He cringed at the situation that would soon arise.
*He's here.*Said Gellert, slightly backing away towards the stairs.
Corban apparated beside Seth upon his mental request and went to lay his back against the nearest wall and crossed his arms. Ruma was confused at the sudden behaviors around her, until she heard a knock at the front door. The King made a sigh and made a nod at Anton who went to open the door. Nothing had prepared the Headmaster to actually see the King, Seth, Gellert and even Ruma in the same place. Anton made his jolly face.
*Welcome to Vulken's estate, Mr. Dumbledore!*Said Anton happily.
*Well, thank you, young sir. To whom do I have the pleasure?*Said Dumbledore.
*I'm Anton! Come on in.*Said the red haired vampire, gesturing the Headmaster to come in.
He entered and Anton closed the door behind him before going to another room, out of sight. There was a tension in the hallway, where frowns and serious looks were given. Ruma looked up towards Seth and hesitated.
*Perhaps I should go with Anton? And um, Hello Professor.*Said Ruma as she looked at Albus, who made a smile in return.
*You go do that Ruma. What is your business here, Dumbledore?* Asked Seth as Ruma left the room, going where Anton had gone.
Albus approached the King and held out a hand to shake.
*Firstly, I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Vulken.*Said Albus.
Nathaniel looked at the hand and pursed his lips before shaking it firmly.
*Dumbledore, the… famous wizard who did not even know a thing about us, until a common acquaintance actually wrote a book about vampires.*Said the King as they stopped shaking hands.
*Yes… in my defense, vampires were not as present as you are now in the wizarding world. Mostly thanks to your son, I presume. How exactly did you come across Mr. Scamander?* Asked Dumbledore.
*We had a problem with magical creatures in our bank, so we called in an expert, which of course resulted into him getting interested in us too.*Said the King.
Dumbledore made a smile.
*Of course, he did, there is not a single… ah, being he is not interested in.*Said the Headmaster.
*Oh, you can say it, Dumbledore, we are still considered as non-magical creatures by your ministry.*Said Seth through his teeth.
*Ministry in which you want part of quite intensely. You were appointed representant of international magical cooperation, which is a first in all the wizarding history.*Said Dumbledore.
Seth could not help himself and grinned at his success. This new position would make him travel around the world easier, although his main work was within Britain. Dumbledore looked at Yaxley and shook his head.
*I'm sorry for your father's passing, Mr. Yaxley. As chief warlock, I welcome you among the members of the Wizengamot, which should be effective some time this week.*Said Albus.
Yaxley nodded in acknowledgment. Gellert raised his eyebrows at the news, he had not known what Seth had been doing during the last year. Nathaniel made an impatient look.
*I will ask again, what is your business here?*Said the King.
*Ah, yes, I wanted to speak with… an old friend. Please.*Said Albus as he looked at Gellert.
The King sighed and looked at his son.
*I'm going back to the bank. If I don't see you, take care. Cin milui, Gellert.*Said Nathaniel, ending his phrase in Venthyr before passing beside Dumbledore and leaving.
Seth crossed his arms and Yaxley went to the room where Ruma went and came back with her.
*Oh… I guess… see you at Hogwarts, Professor.*Said Ruma.
Albus frowned at Seth, confused about where was Ruma going. Corban placed a hand on Seth's shoulder and his other hand on Ruma's shoulder. The prince made a smug smile.
*Do not worry, Dumbledore, she will still be in one piece in September.*Said Seth before they apparated away.
*Her mother is on Vulken's isle, he only said that to scare you.*Said Gellert with a small chuckle.
*Tell me about it…*Said Dumbledore.
Gellert looked down, then at Anton who went out of the room, about to say something.
*Don't even think about it.*Threatened Gellert and Anton made a whimper before going away again.
Gellert sighed and pointed upstairs.
*Perhaps, we should go in my office.*Said Gellert and Albus nodded silently before following him as he made smile, thinking about the sudden absurdity that Gellert had an office.
Gellert closed the door of his office after Dumbledore had entered who was looking at the floating artefacts. The exact same ones he had in his office at Hogwarts. He spotted a wand in a display on a shelf that strangely resembled the one he had in his sleeve, the one Gellert previously had. His eyes darted to his desk where a muggle phone was connected. Several pens and papers were on the desk. A two-way mirror hung on the wall near the window. Gellert went to a cabinet where were several wine bottles and served himself a glass which he drank whole before serving another and placing it on his desk.
*Do you want tea? Or… anything, actually?*Asked Gellert as he sat in his chair.
*Lemon drops?*Joked Albus but Gellert made a serious face.
*JOBRY!*Said Gellert loudly and his house-elf appeared.
*Bring lemon drops candies, now.*Said Gellert.
*Yes, sir.*Said Jobry before disapparating.
Albus was uncomfortable and surprised.
*You have a house-elf? How is that even possible?*Said Albus.
*What does it even matter to you? And it's not my house-elf, it's his job to obey us. Now, why don't you sit and ask me what you came here for?*Said Gellert.
Albus moved to the chair and sat on it as a little bowl of lemon drop candies appeared in front of him. He hesitated to take any, for he had only meant it as a joke and seeing how Gellert treated the house-elf made him think he had not changed much his views about other creatures.
*So much magic and muggle items in the same place, one would think you don't dislike muggles as much as you did.*Said Albus.
*I never said I hated them. Finding them repulsive is something else. But now, they have been my source of food for the last thirty years. I had to make some… accommodations in my opinions, didn't I?*Said Gellert.
*You were… made a vampire shortly after you were imprisoned in Nurmengard?*Asked Albus.
Gellert drank from his glass and placed it back on his desk on a protective coaster, then joined his hands under his chin and elbows on his desk.
*What did you want to ask me, Albus?*Asked Gellert, his icy blue eyes fixing him.
*I'm… concerned…, about things going on in Britain. The same scenario is happening again. I thought… maybe you would know something.*Said Albus.
*Same scenario? Because you think using giants and killing muggles for fun was something I did?*Said Gellert with a mocking voice.
*That's not…*Began Albus, but Gellert interrupted him.
*I know what you meant. You used the wrong phrasing. Another Dark Lord is rising… that Voldemort. I despise him, don't get me wrong. I haven't done a thing against him because of Seth. Perhaps because of the King too, who still remembers what he did.*Said Gellert as he laid his back on his chair.
*You mean the device?*Asked Dumbledore.
*Yes. I was of the lucky ones not affected by it. Anyway, you could very guess Voldemort was seen often on the island which resulted into the King and Queen moving to Egypt. Last year… I complained to Seth, that I was… bored. He sent me here.*Said Gellert.
Dumbledore frowned, thinking about what he just learned. There would be no better way of Voldemort using the island to stay hidden, since it was not accessible by anyone. If the King and Queen moved away, did it mean they are not favorable to Voldemort? Then his heart skipped a beat at a thought.
*Wouldn't Ruma be in danger? Was she raised there?*Asked Albus.
*No… she was raised here, and she never saw him. I highly doubt Seth is that cruel or stupid to bring a child in front of him. Vampires don't hurt children, Albus. You should read the book again.*Said Gellert.
Last year was when the vampire book was written…
*You saw Scamander?*Realized Albus.
Gellert's lip twitched.
* I dilthen nadhor. I did and I hope I never do again.*Spat Gellert.
Albus made a feeble smile, wondering what insult Gellert had said and changed subject.
*Voldemort is using Seth to get in the Wizengamot. I suspect Yaxley to be one of his followers and since his father passed away, he gets a seat and I'm afraid many of Voldemort's followers will pass through the ministry's fingers.*Said Albus.
Gellert made a dry laugh and passed his hand on his face.
*Why don't you create a group like him? Fight for the light! Dumbledore's army! I'm sure you can do that. Don't you have so many auror friends that would follow you anywhere?*Said Gellert.
They stayed silent for a moment where only the hum of the artefacts were heard above them. Albus looked at the wand on the display with interest again.
*Who's wand is that?*Asked Albus.
Gellert eyed the wand before standing up and walking to it. He took it in his hands and felt its power. He knew he would wield and use it again. Until then, he would simply take control over Africa through other means, which was already going in the right direction.
*It's mine.*Said Gellert as an invisible force choaked him in his throat, forbidding him to use it.
*Who gave it to you? Seth?* Asked Albus.
Gellert made a sigh and placed the wand on the display again.
*He did, with no ill intent.*Said Gellert, placing his hands in his pockets and turning to Albus.
*How… how are you faring?*Asked the Headmaster quietly and Gellert shook his head.
*Now you ask? After thirty years, would you have even visited me in Nurmengard?*Asked Gellert.
Albus stayed silent and Gellert scoffed before going in front of him, half-sitting on his desk.
*I feel imprisoned and free at the same time. Losing my magic was not something I thought would affect me as much as it did. Of course, I gained other attributes… like living forever. The hardest thing was waiting like a little child for Seth who was always too… busy, but also, I was afraid to go to London because of you. Now, I have a high position here in Egypt, that extends to the rest of Africa.*Said Gellert.
*You fell in love with him?*Asked Albus, still with a soft tone in his voice.
*Who wouldn't? Look, Albus, Seth is not a threat to you. His heart is at the right place, he only wants the best for vampires, nothing else. You want him on your side? Do everything you can to assist him in what he wants. One thing is sure, you know more than I do, since until today, I had not seen Seth since I came here.*Said Gellert.
Gellert knew Voldemort would have a massive failure in ten years, although he felt he would not die, somehow, and Seth would disappear for a moment. Ruma would take over until Seth came back. He would have his magic back, he would have lots of childes, and Africa would be his to control. His mouth twitched at his thoughts, repressing a smile. Albus stood up and held out his hand.
*Thank you, Gellert.*Said the old wizard.
Gellert looked at the wrinkled hand and he could feel Albus's heartbeat accelerating. Perhaps, there was… an opportunity. He had nothing to lose. He grabbed the held out hand firmly with his right and pulled Albus close to him, enough so that their torso were touching and their faces only two inches from each other.
*When was your last kiss, Albus?*Whispered Gellert.
Albus stopped breathing, lost into the icy blue eyes of his former lover. Gellert leaned in and kissed him tenderly. At first, it was just a tentative peck, but in that moment of weakness, Albus let go of the hand he was holding between them and placed it behind Gellert's head and kissed him with more vigor. Maybe time stopped when his lips met his, but the flutter only intensified. Albus's heart pounded in his chest as his knees got weaker. He could only focus on how soft he felt against his mouth, how addictively he invaded all his senses, how good he even smelled. It still was not clear if he dreamed this moment to life, but there was raw emotion in the way his fingers curled around his. Albus kept his eyes half open, sneaking a guilty peek at him every time he came back for air, just to make sure this wasn't a product of his imagination. Gellert had moved his mouth towards his left ear, brushing his nose softly on his jawline. He felt a warm tongue on his neck, bringing him shivers. He was not able to think properly and next thing he knew, he was experimenting an intense wave of pleasure throughout his body, even to the curling of his toes, and he let out a moan.
Insane. This was insane and he was half-mad for allowing it to happen. Instinct was not supposed to dictate over logic but, then again, that might just be how Gellert was affecting him. He'd never wanted someone so…desperately.
*Stop…*Pleaded reluctantly the Headmaster.
Gellert stopped drinking his blood and licked the wound to heal it before stepping back from Albus. Seeing Gellert's black eyes reminded him of what he had become, and he took a few steps back, being ashamed of how weak he had been.
*You can always come back to see me, mein Liebling.*Said Gellert as his eyes went back to their icy blue.
Albus left the office and closed the door behind him, his heart in shambles.
Venthyr meaning
Cin milui.
You behave.
I dilthen nadhor.
That little rat.
