It's true, we are creatures after all. Dark creatures. We blend within the community, we walk among you, we work with you, we look the same. One could wonder why we simply don't die when we are deprived of blood for an amount of time, but instead turn into blood-enraged vampires who cannot be satiated. But it's right there, our most primal instinct showing in all it's glory. We long to live in blood seas and supress the deep true desire that inhabits all of us vampires. – Emrick Vulken
Author's note : For those who wonder, Emrick Vulken was mentioned once in my story, it's Nathaniel Vulken's Sire (A vile and cruel being). Not every vampire is kind.
The purpose part 32 Danyck's request
Chapter 86 (June 1972)
Danyck stopped by Gringotts' bank, landing in front of the door and startling wizards nearby. He went in and went to the nearest goblin. He asked for a few galleons from the Vulken family, then made his way to knockturn alley. There used to be a lot of wizard families shopping, but Voldemort's threat made people scared, and they were now seen hurrying their purchases. He was wearing his long red cloak, but it did not make any difference in him being recognized in any way, for he rarely had gone out with Seth, and he wanted to change that. He smelled the air, in case someone he knew could be nearby. As he walked, he caught a glimpse of newspaper in the hands of a wizard, his back on a wall, with the dark mark on front page again.
He continued his way, hearing bribes of conversations, of threats, of conspiration and bargains. He had come to the muggle side of London with Darthael a couple of times in the past, and now he preferred the wizarding side. He finally saw the person he wanted: Rodolphus Lestrange. He knew it was him, even if he had his hood and mask on. He was with his brother, and they were interrogating a small bald looking guy.
*Where was the last time you have seen them?*Asked Rabastan.
*I don't know.*Said the man with a smirk.
Rodolphus was losing patience, then turned his head and saw Danyck coming their way. He nudged Rabastan who also turned his head.
*Yo, Danyck, come here.*Said Rodolphus.
Rabastan had gripped the small man by the collar and pushed him on the wall. The man gasped before making a grin where teeth were missing.
*You won't get anything from me! And you can't torture me or I'll stop informing you.*Said the man.
*Oh, we were going to bribe you, Fletcher, we know you love money, but why spend some dime when vampires can see everything?*Hissed Rodolphus between his teeth.
Danyck tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. Fletcher now had a scared look as he looked at Danyck.
*If you want information from him, I'll give it to you, at the one condition you give me what I want from you, Rody.*Said Danyck with a glint in his piercing green eyes.
Rodolphus chuckled and crossed his arms.
*Fine, we want to know the location of the Fenwicks.*Said Rodolphus.
*You'll maybe have to wipe his memory after I'm done, depending on his reaction.*Said Danyck.
Fletcher began to panic and tried getting away. Rabastan was holding him tightly now. Danyck went beside the little man and passed a finger on his cheek, which made him shudder.
*Fuck man, that's gross, don't touch me.*Said Mundungus.
Danyck grabbed the front clothes Rabastan had been holding so that Fletcher would not apparate as he took his place and pushed him again against the wall. Danyck's heart went faster in anticipation. He lifted his other hand, using his telekinesis on Fletcher's arms, making them pinned against the wall. Mundungus panicked even more, his heart beating on his ribs.
*Wait, what, how?*Said Mundungus, his head turning in denial, searching for help, but the Lestranges were blocking the view from the few passing by.
Since they were in deatheater masks and cloaks, no one even dared approaching them anyway. Danyck placed his mouth beside his ear.
*I can make this painful, or… not. If you play nicely, I might just not hurt you.*Whispered Danyck, then stared at the man.
Danyck felt something new inside of him as his eyes locked on Mundungus. It was like seeing through a door and peering in the room behind and compelling it to reveal it's contents.
*Oh Merlin, they live in Chelmsford! Near the museum! Oh Merlin's fuck, please forgive me.*Whined Mundungus.
So that's what it was. He had a new ability. Danyck made a disappointing face for he had wanted to take that knowledge out of him another way.
*Really… Rody?*Said Danyck, eyeing Rodolphus.
Rodolphus looked at them over his shoulder.
*He's saying the truth, we had our suspicions, but he just confirmed them.*Said Rodolphus.
Danyck caressed Fletcher's cheek for a second before stepping away and he apparated the second he was let go.
*Lame.*Said Danyck.
Rodolphus and Rabastan turned towards him.
*What did you want anyway?*Asked Rabastan.
Danyck brought his hair behind his shoulders with a movement of his hands and clicked his tongue.
*I wand to speak with Voldemort.*Said Danyck with a serious face.
Danyck heard the slight difference in their breathing when he said his name.
*Why? I mean, not that I would care, but isn't Seth… he doesn't know where he is?*Asked Rodolphus.
*No, Seth doesn't care where he is or what he does. Now, are you going to tell me or not?*Asked Danyck.
*… Well… I can't just… I mean, if he knows we told you, he's going to torture us.*Said Rodolphus.
Danyck rolled his eyes.
*I'm not a fucking auror or random wizard! Just take me to him then, I can't apparate!*Said Danyck between his teeth. *Or would you prefer I take that information out of you as well?*He continued.
*Ugh, I'll do it, bro.*Said Rabastan as he placed a hand on Danyck's shoulder and apparated.
OoOoO
Rodolphus brought Danyck into a mansion and took the direction of what seemed to be a living room. There were books on every walls and there was no fire lit in the fireplace. A single sofa with a small table was in the living room.
*Well… I mean, he moves a lot, and calls us when needed.*Said Rabastan, noticing the place seeming empty.
Danyck heard a hissing and could hear heartbeats not too far away. He turned to Rabastan and placed a hand on his shoulder.
*Oh, he is here, you can leave…*Said Danyck.
Rabastan shrugged then left. Soon after, he could hear Bellatrix speak from far away.
*My lord, please, I can do it, if you could just… let me…*Said Bellatrix with a pleading voice.
*No. Stop pestering me.*Said the hissing voice of the Dark Lord, coming closer.
Danyck tried to calm himself. Last time he saw Voldemort was through Seth and he had lost consciousness due to the enormous amount of dark power he had felt. He knew he had something to offer him he could not possibly refuse: himself. Seth's ambitions had changed for the political way, but in Danyck's mind, only one thing was obsessing him and that was to feel death in his hands again.
Upon seeing Danyck, Voldemort had lifted his wand and immediately cast a curse, which he avoided with his unnatural speed. The air became denser. Bellatrix had not seen him and gasped at her lord's reaction, trying to see what made him do that. When Voldemort saw Danyck again, he became paralyzed. Bellatrix saw Danyck at her turn and also pointed her wand at him, firing a fast and silent cutting curse. Voldemort freed himself since Danyck had to move again. With deadly accuracy, Voldemort spun around and fired several cures, resulting in books flying in every direction.
*Please, listen to me.*Said Danyck as he had moved swiftly out of the living room and behind Voldemort, but still far away.
Voldemort turned and pointed his wand again at him and red eyes reduced to narrow slits.
*Speak.*Said Voldemort.
*I want to be at your service.*Said Danyck quickly, his hands up beside him, ready to move again.
Voldemort paused, staring at the vampire before him, and trying to feel his intentions.
*Seth's childe, why didn't he tell me? Or… are you alone, in this? What could you possibly want?*Asked Voldemort with narrowed eyes, his wand stiff and ready.
Bellatrix was also pointing her wand at Danyck but waited for instructions.
*Seth does not know I am here. He is… busy. -He's always busy. You know what I can do, or maybe you know just a little… I could be useful to you in ways your followers aren't.*Said Danyck with disdain.
Danyck had a grudge against Seth since he had been almost doing nothing for the past year. He had mastered his telekinesis and his flying, alone. Voldemort stared at him for the longest of time and Bellatrix's eyes darted between him and Voldemort repetitively. He finally lowered his wand, but kept it close, ready to use it. Danyck felt Voldemort going at his mind, but this time he hit a solid wall. The Dark Lord pursed his lips.
*Who brought you here?*Asked Voldemort, visibly irritated.
*If I say no one, you'll think anyone can find you. Obviously, someone brought me here, not without doing someone first for him. You want someone dead? Tell me.*Said Danyck, lowering his hands.
*Dead? He wants plenty of people dead! How could a simple vampire like you…*Began Bellatrix, but Danyck ran behind her in a flash and gripped her. A gasp escaped her lips and Voldemort had stepped aside, a blank expression on his face.
*In many ways you can't even fathom, Bella.*Whispered Danyck in her ear before passing a tongue on her neck.
She shivered then stepped on his boot, then tried to hit between his legs so he pushed her away. Danyck chuckled and placed his hands in the air as if surrendering.
*Fierce witch… never been kissed by a vampire, I presume.*Said Danyck before eyeing the Dark Lord with a smirk.
Before Voldemort said anything, popping sounds were heard down the hallway. Danyck recognized the Lestrange's smell and shushed voices. Voldemort moved his wand and the books from the living room went back to their places.
*Lestranges with two persons…*Informed Danyck.
Voldemort made no indication he heard him and stepped in the living room, Bellatrix huffed and went beside him with her head lowered. The Lestranges came into view holding two persons with leather bags over their heads, hands tied behind their backs. They passed beside Danyck, ignoring him. They still had their masks and hoods on, but Danyck knew it had been them. They threw the prisoners at Voldemort's feet, and they bowed their head.
*The Fenwicks, my Lord.*Said Rodolphus.
Voldemort flicked his wand, and the leather bags went off their heads, to reveal a man and a woman. They gasped after seeing him and fell backwards. Bellatrix laughed maniacally. Nagini passed beside Danyck and made her way in the room, perhaps sensing her dinner was close.
*No… No… oh, god, no.*Said the woman, shaking her head.
*She did nothing! Leave her be! She's not even part of it! She does not know anything!*Pleaded the man.
Voldemort pointed his wand at Fenwick's wife. His wand vibrated, waiting for his master's orders.
*Crucio.*Said Voldemort quietly.
Her screams filled the room and Fenwick tried to get up but was held back by Rabastan and placed on his knees. Voldemort observed Danyck's reactions closely, noticing a grin on his lips, and his fingers were moving slowly as if he wanted to grab something.
*You don't get to stand in front of the Dark Lord!*Said Rabastan fiercely.
Voldemort stopped the curse, and the woman was left panting, sweating, and bruised. The Dark Lord removed their binds with a flick of his wand. The woman slowly sat and her husband, Benjy, tried to help her and they held each other in an embrace.
*Please, let her go! Wipe her memory if you have to! Anything!*Pleaded the man, looking desperately at his captors.
*Kill them.*Hissed Voldemort in parseltongue, knowing perfectly Danyck could understand him.
The Lestranges flinched at the hisses, but Danyck did not hesitate, he lifted his hands and closed his fingers into tight fists. The Fenwicks both clutched their chest in pain, gurgled a gasp, and in a matter of seconds, they crumbled to the floor, unmoving. Danyck closed his eyes in delight, letting the rush of power fill his mind and body.
That was what he came for.
Bellatrix made a step back, and looked at her lord, unsure of what just happened. Rodolphus knew, he had seen it happen before. He still found that vampire unnerving. Rabastan had also made a light step back, a shudder passing through his body, and now looked differently at the vampire. Voldemort had a satisfied and malicious smile.
*Nagini. Dinner.*Hissed Voldemort again.
Upon hearing the words, Nagini assaulted the woman first. Voldemort made his way to Danyck and placed a hand on his cheek.
*No, you don't want to serve me, Danyck. No. I will give you what you came for.*Hissed Voldemort quietly in parseltongue.
*My Lord…*Said Bellatrix with a light plead.
Voldemort removed his hand where Danyck had leaned in and turned towards the witch. His red eyes glowed and he looked at Nagini who had finished eating the woman. He would have to dispose of the man, perhaps into an inferi. His eyes diverted to the Lestranges brothers, and he smirked.
*You have done well. Leave, and wait for my call again. Bella, do as I told you earlier, don't fail me.*Said Voldemort to the brothers, then had looked at Bellatrix.
They bowed and left the room, Bellatrix glancing over her shoulder with jealousy at the vampire as she left. Voldemort turned his wand between his fingers as he stared at Danyck.
*Seth does not know of your… cravings?*Asked Voldemort.
*If he does, he never bothered to answer it, thus a reason to seek you out.*Said Danyck.
*What is he… doing, exactly?*Said Voldemort.
*I won't tell you what you already know. Although, these days seems to be fixing vampire problems. The most recent one being Darthael having some issues regarding magical blood. It was apparently caused by Greyback's actions towards a certain female deatheater of yours.*Said Danyck, crossing his arms.
*What kind of issues?*Asked Voldemort and the vampire shrugged.
*Like the effects of a drug withdrawal. I would compare it to dark magic addiction, or… the lack of it after experiencing it.*Said Danyck darkly.
Voldemort stayed silent then looked down at the dead man. The air became heavy again as he murmured a dark incantation, swishing his wand in the air and a black orb went inside the body. The dead man slowly rose with a blank stare and a wobbly head. Danyck stared in fascination. Voldemort swished his wand again and the inferi disappeared. He had done those spells as if they were nothing since he had long mastered them and done them often. The Dark Lord went to Danyck again and grabbed his arm. Surprised at the grip, but no fear was in the green eyes as they met red ones.
*I don't…*Began Danyck, thinking he wanted to mark his arm, but Voldemort clicked his tongue and suppressed a scowl.
*No, you won't get marked. You, vampires, made it clear you would never accept it. I'm sure one of the Lestrange brought you here, meaning you have no idea where you are.*Said Voldemort coldly before apparating with him.
Danyck recognized knockturn alley. The grip around his arm was gone. Danyck was now the one who gripped Voldemort's arm. Voldemort lifted his wand, hot in his hand and a curse on his tongue.
*I never said I would never accept it.*Hissed Danyck in parseltongue before letting go.
The Dark Lord measured Danyck's words, not understanding how he could even speak Parseltongue. The hissing had been the only reason he had not fired the curse. Danyck felt Voldemort's surge of power around him and flinched before looking down. For a moment, the vampire had forgotten who he had been talking to. Who he had gripped and dared speak to, like as if he had been talking with Seth. Danyck's mind had went to his sire for a second, or perhaps a little longer, and had poured the words out of his mouth.
*If you are so badly wanting to listen to your cravings, I'll have someone reach for you when I need it, not on a whim of your pretty head.*Said Voldemort in a soft hiss before apparating away in a swirling dark cloud.
Danyck's breath was loud and fast as he exhaled, realising he had been holding it. He took hold of his surroundings and a small smile appeared on his lips in the dark alley. He made his way to Sanguini's pub, where he knew he could have fun all night.
OoOoO
Ruma sat on the grass where children played all sorts of games. They ranged from about five to fifteen years old. They knew she was considered as the princess since the adults had told them, but she was glad they did not act any different then her friends at school. It was almost time for their lunch, so Madame Lory had called them, and they went off to eat. A rather pretty old lady went to her and asked if she wanted to join them. She made a smile and agreed.
When she entered the dining room, she noticed it was just as luxurious as the one in the vampire side. She then remembered how great the vampires had made their lives, at least after Emerick's reign, so that they would always stay loyal to them. And it had been the case for hundreds of years. They all had had the authorization to bear one or rarely two children, so the muggle population would not grow more than the capacity of vampires and the castle.
She sat beside the teenagers who happily engaged conversation with her. They were served spaghetti with meat sauce that appeared in front of them. Ruma raised her eyebrows. Were muggles now exposed to magic? Maybe it was a good thing, considering Seth was a wizard, and now her too. They finished their dessert and the old lady asked her if she could speak with her. Ruma nodded as she gazed at the children going off to play again before their classes, from what the oldest teen had told her.
*How are you feeling? Seth is not too hard on you, I hope?*Said the old woman.
*What?... What do you mean?*Asked Ruma nervously.
The old woman placed a hand on Ruma's, which had been laying on the table. She made a smile that reached her green eyes. Her silvery hair was long and curvy, dandling loosely on her shoulders.
*My dear, I saw Seth as he came out of his mother's womb, and I was his guardian as he grew up into a fine man.*She said proudly, but then her face darkened. *I also have seen deatheaters and that dark mage walk in the halls of this castle. There are no secrets kept from me, nor should you be afraid to tell me what is on your heart, dear grand-daughter.*Said Kathleen.
Ruma's eyes went wide. They did have the same green eyes.
*No way! You are Kathleen? Mother did sometimes talk about you in some cases, but she did not want me to beg to come here… because of him.*Said Ruma.
Kathleen nodded at the mention of her name.
*I understand perfectly. Besides, I knew you would be fine with the King and Queen, and you still had your parents with you… maybe less your father. Thomas's parents would have been proud to see how a fine lady you are becoming, but they passed away a few years ago. They had moved to France, living comfortably their old age.*Said Kathleen.
*What about your… well my grand-father?*Asked Ruma.
Kathleen's eyes gleamed as she called a house-elf.
*Padry dear, would you bring us the non-magical ancestry book, please?*Asked Kathleen.
The little elf bowed low, then popped away. A few moments later, a rather thick book appeared on the table in front of them. It was very old, stained and wrinkled. Kathleen turned the pages slowly and Ruma looked with a very high interest. Perhaps she would know why she was a witch. You could see dates of birth, death, professions and how no couple ever had more than one or two children, to keep the population on the island under control and viable. The earliest date was year 556 where King Vlad ruled on this island. Then it had been Emerick, then Nathaniel.
*Only three vampire kings?*Asked Ruma.
*Indeed, but from what history was told, Emerick was not liked at all. He made himself King since Vlad never really bore that title. He was making sure we knew our place by torturing us, placing fear inside our hearts so deep that sometimes it still feels like his presence hangs in the walls and makes us shiver if we linger to long in some darker places of this castle. And then… he died, unexpectedly. Nathaniel was a whole other story; he even chose his queen from the muggle servants. The massive turning point was Nicholas and Perenelle entering our lives and changing everything here. My own grand-parents told stories of wizards in Britain she had come to see, but never could approach because of the law of secrecy.*Said Kathleen.
Ruma's head was being held by her turned fingers, elbow on the table as she listened to her. Kathleen pointed to something a few pages later. The name Armand Malfoy had a single line to a woman's name: Ruby. Kathleen's finger followed the descendants and eventually leaded to her own, then to Ruma, almost a thousand years later.
*A Malfoy. Tsk, if he only knew.*Said Seth behind them.
Ruma gasped and jerked her head at him. Kathleen gave Seth the warmest of smiles.
*My lovely Prince. Always a pleasure to see you, even if it's so rare, I'm sure you had forgotten about me.*Said Kathleen, tilting her head.
Seth looked at her weirdly. Something was off about her. Her heartbeat was uneven, her breaths were shallow, and she was trying to hide her hands trembling, whenever she felt the tremors coming. She was sick, and she did not have very long. He made a move with his hand, and his wand sprouted out of his sleeve.
*None of that.*She said dryly.
Her features had changed to a hard face. Ruma also stood up, wondering why Seth had brought out his wand.
*What's going on?*Asked Ruma.
*I could save you.*Said Seth simply.
Kathleen's eyes softened, but she shook her head. Ruma's heart skipped a beat.
*No, Seth. You can't cure old age, just delay the inevitable. I have done my time here, and lived a very happy and long life.*Said Kathleen.
*You are sick?*Asked Ruma as she turned to her grand-mother.
*No, I'm old, but Seth thinks there is something wrong with me, that he can cure.*Said Kathleen.
Seth huffed and his wand went back within his sleeve.
*Why didn't you ask him to sire you when you were younger?*Asked Ruma.
*Because I never wanted to live eternally. Your mother thought differently. Also, I enjoyed life more, and better, knowing my time was limited. I'm not going to die tomorrow…*Said Kathleen.
*Ruma has to get back to her training. The little incident is gone, and it shall not happen again.*Said Seth before turning heels and moving away.
When Seth was passed the corner, she waited a little more before talking to Kathleen again.
*For someone who had you almost all his life… he did not seem to care.*Said Ruma.
*Oh… Believe me, I saw it in his eyes. He is in complete denial. The fact he brought out his wand, thinking he could do something, tells it all to me.*Said Kathleen with a wink.
*I… I should go back… not make him wait. I will come here, after dinner. I want to hear more from you, your life, his life, I want to know it all!*Said Ruma.
*Of course, you do, and it will be all my pleasure, little princess.*Said Kathleen.
Seth felt it, before hearing it. Danyck had taken something from his mind.
*I never said I would not accept it.*
Seth paused and reached Danyck's mind but was blocked. He did not press it, but it piqued his curiosity. He had spoken in Parseltongue, and that could only mean to Voldemort. Was he talking about a mission, or something else? He turned to Corban's mind, who always embraced him no matter if it was just by their link, he felt warmth and love.
*You know where Danyck, or actually Voldemort could be?*Asked Seth in his mind.
*Only from Rodolphus sayings… A manor not too far from London. Has Danyck even succeeded into blocking you completely?*Said Corban through thoughts.
*He thinks he does, I'm just respecting his need of privacy… for now.*Thought Seth.
Corban made a mental nod and Seth reinterred the mirror room, waiting for Ruma. He didn't have time to bother with Danyck when he barely had time to train Ruma and deal with cases like Darthael.
