The purpose part 36 Mischief

June 1973

Ruma was sitting and eating her breakfast with her friends. It was almost end of term, they only had one week left and just exams. Regulus nudged her elbow.

*Why is my brother looking at you so intensely?*Asked Regulus.

Ruma looked at the Gryffindor table and saw Sirius looking at her and when she noticed he winked at her. She made a chuckle and continued to eat her cereal.

*Ignore him Reg, he probably noticed I'm a woman. Haven't you heard he's been wooing every girl he sees?*Said Ruma.

*But… even you? A Slytherin?*Asked Regulus.

*Sounds like jealousy, Reg. You want to ask me out before he does?*Asked Ruma teasingly, even though she knew what he had been asked by his father.

He blushed furiously and ate his toast. Rosanne chuckled beside them. Ruma turned her head towards the edge of the Slytherin table where older students were, looking for Severus, but he was not there. They had not spoken since he called Lily a mudblood, and he had not come to make potions with her in the evenings. She did, however, seen him with students whose parents were deatheaters. Her throat constricted at a thought, for she perfectly knew where this was going.

Mail arrived and her owl dropped several letters, the daily prophet, flowers, and two packages in front of her. The flowers were lavenders and a single white card with a dog paw on it was all it took to know from whom it was. Her perfume was lavender, and she loved the smell. Apparently, she was not the only one. It took her everything to not look at Sirius again. Instead of doing potions in the evenings, she had practised her Animagus transformation, and some evenings had been with Sirius. She had refused to see Potter or Pettigrew for that.

*You got admirers.*Said Rosanne.

*That does not really surprise me after all I did this year.*Said Ruma.

*Did Crouch leave you alone? I saw him talk to you again yesterday.*Said Regulus.

*Oh. Nothing important.*Said Ruma.

Crouch Junior had asked her for contact. Meaning, Lucius Malfoy. She had not expected that from him, considering who his father was. She did find Barty a tad barmy, with his constant mouth tick. She had asked around a bit of information, and he was a powerful and clever wizard, especially in charms and transfiguration. And so, she had gone out of bounds of school and on a small piece of paper was written the name of Bartemius Crouch Junior, given to her owl for Lucius Malfoy after placing several charms on it.

She opened the first package and it contained sweets. A little card signed Zabini was written inside. She sighed and looked for Terrence Zabini who made a big smile when she found him, and she nodded in answer. The unicorn hairs she had given probably had served their purpose. She opened the second package and there was a golden bracelet with little charms on it.

*Oh wow, that is so pretty.*Said Rosanne.

It was very pretty. The bracelet had tiny birds and flowers and it made a lovely sound when moved. She looked in the package and found a little card where she immediately recognized Gellert's handwriting.

'Place it around your pretty ankle, little bird.' – G.

He knew. He already knew what her Animagus form was, and it was impossible Black had told anyone. She vaguely remembered him mumbling 'Little bird' after he was done feeding. She realised she had not seen him for almost two years. Seth and Severus had occupied her thoughts more than she imagined.

*Who's G?*Asked Regulus.

He had asked with a jealous voice, Ruma could tell.

*That's Gellert, Reg. Nothing to worry about.*Said Ruma.

Regulus made a grunt and Ruma chuckled. She took the anklet and placed it around her right ankle. It made such a beautiful sound. Rosanne was looking at it with confusion.

*There seems to be little bells, but it's not making any sounds.*Said Rosanne.

Ruma frowned.

*What? You can't hear it? Oh… Maybe Gellert placed a charm on it.*Said Ruma.

But how could he have done it? He can't do magic. She looked closely and she saw them: runes. She did not recognize them, but her curiosity got her, and she wanted to know. She wanted to remove it to write down the runes but noticed she could not. Serves her right for putting on something magical from a potentially dangerous wizard.

*What's wrong?*Asked Rosanne.

*I was stupid enough to put something on me, and now I can't remove it. I want to write down the runes and figure out what it does.*Said Ruma.

She took parchment, ink and a quill from her bag and began to write the runes that were on Gellert's gift. She made sure to write where the runes were and write if there was a bird, a leaf, a star, or a sun beside it.

*Oh hey, there's already breaches in their new security measures. Aurors and hit wizards have been killed in two different cities already.*Said Regulus as he read out loud the Daily prophet he had taken from Ruma's mail.

*Oh, well I just think it created more problems and not solve anything.*Said Ruma.

*Hey, Ruma, you still have letters to read.*Said Rosanne as she pointed at the two letters.

*I'll read them at the library, see you later.*Said Ruma as she took her things.

She waved to her friends before hurrying to the library. She asked the librarian for an advanced runic book, and she showed her where to find them. Her arms went down in defeat as she saw there were ten books about runes. Perhaps she could ask her teacher if she recognize any on her parchment. School was almost done, and she would not have time to search everything on her own.

Or, she could spend summer with Gellert.

She already imagined his face, laughing at her, and not telling her what it was about. Perhaps he would tell her everything she wanted to know if she gave him blood again. She sat in a sofa and opened the first letter. She frowned as she recognised again Gellert's handwriting.

Little bird,

I am travelling away from Africa. I gave you a little something to work on, until the next time I see you. Here's a tip: It is not something even I can hear. -G.

Not even Gellert could hear the anklet. And she would not see him this summer apparently. She made a sigh and opened the other letter. This time, it was from Seth.

Ruma,

You will attend a charity ball on July 31st. Your presence is required at the castle the day before.

Seth Vulken, Vampire Prince

Such a difference between the two men. Seth's letters were always cold and direct, not without mentioning his Prince title. Gellert only wrote to her three times, but it had been always soft and kind.

*A charity ball.*She mumbled softly to herself.

The letter from Seth also meant she technically had all her summer minus those two days. She sank deeper in the sofa. She thought about her parents that she missed dearly. If she knew how to apparate, it would make things easier, but with the new security measures, she doubt it now. She could owl them, and ask to see them, but they probably would forbid them to travel. Her only option was to succeed her Animagus form.

The exam week went fast like a blur, and she decided to go to Vulken's state in Africa by floo network. She encountered aurors that verified her identity and belonging before she was allowed to use the floo. When she arrived, the servants greeted her and took her trunk to her room with thanks from her. The manor felt empty, especially without Anton. So, he really was gone.

*Are you hungry, miss?*Asked Jobry, Gellert's house-elf.

*Oh, yes please.*Said Ruma before making her way to the dinning room.

She took place at the long table alone and marvelled at the chicken alfredo in front of her. She was halfway in her dinner when the King and Queen arrived. She wiped her mouth with the cloth designed for that and quickly went to the entrance hall.

*Ruma. What a pleasure to see you.*Said Elena.

*What's that sound?*Asked Nathaniel, frowning at Ruma.

Ruma was confused for a second, before she realized the King was hearing her anklet.

*You mean you can hear my anklet?*Asked Ruma.

*Well, I can hear it too. It's beautiful. Who gave it to you?*Asked Elena.

*Gellert.*Answered Ruma.

Nathaniel made a weird face then went in the direction of his office. Loyal to his cold behavior, not ever greeting anyone or showing emotions anywhere he went. Ruma knew he cared. Maybe only vampires could hear it? No, Gellert said even him could not hear it. What was it then?

*I believe you were eating, you can go back to finish your meal, sweetheart.*Said Elena.

Ruma smiled.

*You want to join me? I believe we have a lot to talk about.*Said Ruma.

*Right behind you.*Said Elena.

Even long after she was done her meal, they talked and talked until night was well settle. Even the King had joined in the conversation. She had no secrets for the vampires that practically raised her along with her mother. When she mentioned the deatheaters from last summer, the King had pursed his lips.

*If one ever even touch you, they will never be able to again.*Hissed Nathaniel.

There was his caring in all its glory. Ruma smiled as she listened to the King making threats. She told them about her Animagus form, and the letters she received from Gellert and Seth.

*We will be there, too.*Said Elena.

*Isn't it weird though that the event is on Seth's birthday?*Asked Ruma.

*I'm sure it is just a coincidence.*Said Elena.

The King stood up and cleared his throat.

*You should go to sleep, Ruma. I can show you something that will help you with your Animagus form when you wake up.*Said Nathaniel.

Ruma's eyes went wide. She could not believe her ears. She thanked them and quickly got up and almost ran to her room under the King and Queen's gaze.

The next morning, she barely took the time to wash up and hurried down the stairs. Nathaniel was feeding on a servant who was moaning quite loudly, and Ruma blushed as thoughts of Gellert doing it to her passed through her mind. How could she have forgotten how good it felt? She looked away and went to the library while waiting.

*Jobry.*Called Ruma and the elf apparated before her.

*Yes, mistress?*Said Jobry.

*Would you happen to know if Gellert acquired any Ancient Runes book?*Asked Ruma.

The elf snapped its fingers and a book appeared in his hands and he handed it to her.

*He does, mistress, but he specifically ordered me to give this one to you, should you ask for it.*Said Jobry with a small voice.

*Oh wow, thanks!*Said Ruma.

*Anything for you, princess.*Said Jobry before apparating away.

She barely had the time to look at the cover that the King entered the library and told her to follow him. She placed the book in her handbag she always carried with her and followed him. It was nice and cool outside. The King went towards a long black limousine and a servant opened the door near the end of the car for him. He looked behind his shoulder and made a head movement for Ruma to follow him inside. She went in the limousine and sat in a spacious space across Nathaniel. The King was wearing a long black suit, trending on the wizarding kind. The upper garment was attached by a silver wolf head on his right shoulder. His clothes had embroidered patterns forming a wolf on his other shoulder. His long silvery golden hair were tied in a low ponytail. His crown never left his head, and Ruma wondered what muggles thought when they see him for the first time, or just walking by in the streets if he ever did so. Multiple rings ornated his fingers and golden chain was around his neck. She suddenly felt very underdressed beside him, with her simple blue jeans and long green medieval shirt. His legs were crossed, and he was passing a finger over his lips, staring at her.

*I'm bringing you to the aviary. Has Seth ever told you how his Animagus transformation went?*Asked the King.

*Uh, no. We only talked about the Patronus, and he mentioned his Animagus form was a wolf… then we… he stopped teaching me things. I thought… the potion showed and transformed you into the animal, but then I learned that it can take a whole year to transform into the animal.*Said Ruma.

*No. Seth did it within moments after drinking the potion. Could you guess why?*Asked Nathaniel.

*Because he is the strongest wizard ever known? To us… anyway.*Said Ruma, still impressed by what he said.

*That surely did help, but no. Our family's coat of arms is a wolf and its not without reason. Vampires are just like wolves, there's leaders, undying loyalty, protectors of their tribes, we think as one, and we hunt with the same convictions deep within us, let it be food or for territorial purposes. You see, Seth already understood everything about being a wolf, so, for him, being a real one, was a walk in the park.*Said Nathaniel.

Ruma cursed herself for not even thinking about that. She was mad at her own wrongdoings. She had probably angered Seth from being so clueless all the time. The King frowned as he followed her emotions.

*Ruma, why are you so upset?*Asked Nathaniel.

She bit her lip and sighed through her nose. Seth had stopped teaching her, Gellert left the country, Severus stopped talking to her, and she could not even have guessed why she could not transform into a falcon until Nathaniel told her.

*I'm not good enough. Not for him, not for my friends, not even for Gellert, and I'm supposed to be the heir somehow, not even able to think properly.*Said Ruma.

Nathaniel passed his finger over his lips again, then uncrossed his legs, and leaned towards Ruma.

*You are placing the world upon your shoulders, when you don't even consider how old you are. I may be over five hundred years old, but I was dumber than a donkey until Emrick forced me to learn things the hard way. I promised myself Seth would not live what I did, or what Elena did. We thought Seth was a cursed child, bound to be in a child's body for so long. We showed him love, patience, knowledge, and showed him our family values and traditions. He seemed rather intelligent but behaved like a child for… forever.*Said the King with a voice trailing off and his eyes looked elsewhere for a moment. He stared again at Ruma who swallowed. *What if I told you he only received his Hogwarts letter at 22 years old? Or that he only spent four years there before we asked him to go to war with us? Do you still think… with all the things you can already do, at fourteen years old, that you are not good enough?*Said the King firmly.

*I… I guess not. You mean to say he did not get a wand until he was twenty-two?*Asked Ruma and Nathaniel nodded.

They arrived at the falcon aviary and the King went at the reception with Ruma. There was only muggle workers, and they were all clearly intimidated by Nathaniel's appearance. Some thought he was here for a movie, some acted indifferent, but the King asked for someone specific, who arrived a few minutes after.

*Nathaniel! Are you here for an owl transaction?*Said a man with Chestnut, curly hair gently hanging over a fresh, wild face. He had dancing blue eyes, set delicately within their sockets, eyed the King with affection.

*Ah, Max. Actually, I want you to show my… Ruma here, the falcons. Perhaps, she will choose one that I will buy.*Said Nathaniel.

Max smiled curtly.

*Well, of course. Over here, miss.*Said Max.

They followed him and passed in front of many exotic birds, but none were magical, which she obviously deduced because they were all muggle workers. She had doubts about the man they were following.

*Yes, he is a wizard, Ruma.*Said the King softly beside her, answering her silent question.

She made a nod in acknowledgment, and they arrived at the falcons aviary. Her eyes went wide in admiration.

*Take your time. They all have their personality. They were handfed since birth, and most are approachable.*Said Max.

*Don't leave, Max. I was hoping you could tell Ruma what you know about falcons. How they live, behave and need.*Said Nathaniel.

*Oh… Of course, sir.*Said Max with hesitation.

He began by pointing at a Gyrfalcon and spoke about general description and habitat. Then went on to several others until he pointed at a Peregrine Falcon, where Ruma showed more interest. Max was very well versed into his job, and she kept listening to his voice explaining everything about them. Seeing she was so interested, he continued well after her belly starting groaning in hunger.

*In general, falcons hunt alone, and the peregrine is the fastest animal on the planet. Just the intensity of the blow almost always kills its victims. They see everything faster than a human being, simply because of how different their eyes are. They even see ultraviolets, seeing animals residues or colors they leave behind.*Said Max with a satisfied smirk.

*Woah.*Said Ruma, impressed.

*Do you want to buy one? It is great for killing rats, and pests on a farm. Muggles usually buy them to kill stray birds in airports so they don't damage the planes. It's not really good for mail, since they are not magical.*Said Max.

He had looked around him before talking about more specific attributes, not wanting muggles to overhear them. Ruma pointed at one Peregrine Falcon, who was named Mischief.

*She is a little devil, likes to drop dead rats on your head, for funsies… I thought she did that because it behaved like a cat, but no, she throws it at you, then come eat it in your face, anyway… she costs fifty thousand Egyptian pounds, or two hundred galleons, but I'd rather you pay in pounds.*Said Max.

*Mr. Foley, you can take the money directly from the bank… under the Vulken name. Just make a phone call, I'll have fifty more galleons given to you for your time.*Said the King.

Max blushed and apologised several times, before doing the paperwork and giving final instructions to Ruma.

*Could you… ah, have all the necessities delivered to Vulken's state? Like a big cage, food if necessary, anything actually…*Asked Ruma as she looked at the King for approval.

He nodded and Max assured her she would have everything by tonight delivered. They went back home with Mischief on Ruma's arm. She had bought a glove to protect her arm from its claws.

*I know owls understands wizards more than normal birds, but do you think there is something to link or render an animal more clever, or somewhat magical?*Asked Ruma.

The King had observed the falcon closely and it tilted its head. Nathaniel made a grunt and looked at Ruma.

*For now, it is interested in you, but her mind is basic. She understands you are not a threat, but would probably fly away or go back to the aviary should you let go of that leash. Vampires can somewhat interact with animals, Seth and perhaps more Danyck.*Said Nathaniel.

The King stayed silent for a moment, like lost in a daze. After a while, he smirked and looked at Ruma.

*Someone suggested you use… the imperius curse or legilimency.*Said the King.

*Oh, you were talking to one of your childe. I… I have never used those spells before. It's… illegal… on people anyway.*Said Ruma.

*Better be good at it on animals, before someone does it on you.*Said the King with a serious face.

Ruma said nothing and they soon arrived at the estate. She went to the inner garden when the falcon could fly around without escaping, then asked Jobry for a sandwich before she sat on a bench and looked at Mischief gazing at her new surroundings. After she was done eating, she closed her eyes and practiced what Sirius had told her. To empty her mind and let the feelings of the moment the potion gave her, to relive everything. Now that she knew more about falcons, it felt easier to feel like one. The falcon screeched over her head.

She breathed in and out in slow motion, remembering the wind under her wings, the precision of her eyes gazing in the mountains, the lightness of her body, her strong claws ripping through the air, and her fast heartbeat, ready for action. She does not know how long she stayed on the bench, but the sun had gone down, or she thought it did, for when she opened her eyes, everything looked colorful. She looked at her body and instead of fingers were feathers, but that was the only thing she had achieved that day, and apparently the eyesight too. Everything went back to normal as quick as breathing. Mischief was perched in a small tree, sleeping. She thought she should do the same.

In the weeks that followed, it was easier to transform, and she was only missing the head. She even tried legilimency on the falcon. She felt everything in quick images, as if watching a movie on fast forward. She felt her basic needs, then experienced the reason why her name was so representative. She actually felt the amusement of toying with prey, and humans. Mischief had grown attached to her and made her know she would come back to her, should she let her be free. She suddenly felt like flying with her, and just like that… Ruma had completely transformed into a falcon, her feathers as white as snow, just like a unicorn.