We knew the moment she was declared the Vulken heir, we would almost never see her. The King had warned us she had never been ours, but when those words were said, our soul shattered. Here we are, watching our daughter from afar, to a future we cannot go. I still ask him if he hugged her for me. -Thomas Vulken.

The purpose part 42 Actions of Fear

July 5th 1974

As requested by the director, but mostly by the minister Harold Minchum, Seth and Corban apparated to the ministry and went to the department of justice in order to meet with them. The new minister was also there with two aurors in protection. Of course, it had to be Maugrey and Shacklebot. After proper greeting and a shake of hands, they were seated.

*King Vulken, I am very pleased to meet you and thank you for coming.*Said the minister.

Seth could feel animosity all around, except for the minister who clearly had a fascination with vampires.

*As Mr. Yaxley has probably filled you in the purpose of your presence, I wanted to ask you if it is possible to increase the numbers of dementors in Azkaban. With the increasing threat of You-Know-Who, the citizens want more action from the ministry. It is my duty to reassure them and make decisions.*Said the minister.

Maugrey made a snort, where the minister glared at him and Shacklebot seemed outraged.

*You can't possibly even think about doing something like this! There are prisoners that have high probability of being pure innocents!*Said Kingsley.

*I have already talked to you about this, Kingsley, our citizens want reassurance, action, anything from me. I have not been nominated as minister to sit idle!*Said the minister with an annoyed voice.

*Increase the formation of aurors from all the hit wizards, we have the funds, use them! Warn the muggles, distribute pamphlets, speak with France, there's dozens of other things to do instead of focusing on already imprisoned men and women!*Said Kingsley with an increasing tone.

Seth clicked his tongue, bringing the attention on him.

*If I may, minister, to answer your question, Azkaban already has most of the dementors there, being as vampires are still… not wanting to die anytime soon. The few that are not in Azkaban are either here or on my island, which you could count as only one specimen. Although, I can suggest you use vampires as your guards, that could, if you so desire, fill another purpose in the prison.*Said Seth, repressing a grin.

Seth immediately felt different emotions coming from everywhere. Disgust, hate, fear, but also curiosity. The minister had a shocked face, but still brought his hand on his chin as if seriously considering that option.

*No. What you are suggesting is giving vampires a position of authority when they… you absolutely have no…*Began Graves before stopping himself from saying another word.

Seth made a deadly stare.

*No rights? That is what you were going to say, is it not, Mr. Graves? It is not a few vampires that will change anything with your laws and your integrity as Director. If anything, the population will feel that justice is made to torturers and murderers if your aurors bring them there, and perhaps install fear in wizards that would otherwise want to join Voldemort.*Said Seth, watching them winced at his words, and not only for saying the Dark Lord's name.

The director pursed his lips and looked away. Not only had he implied Seth to be lower than a wizard, but he had also completely disregarded that a King stood before him. The intense desire to tear Graves's heart apart passed through Seth's mind.

*My thoughts… were comparable.*Mumbled the minister.

*Don't do that. Anything but this… Minister…*Said Shacklebot, almost pleading.

*There is nothing wrong here, and you will not question my judgment, Shacklebot.*Said Minchum fiercely. He then looked at Seth after taking a deep breath. *I will owl you my decision after deliberation and perhaps more, inclined advisors.*Finished the minister.

Maugrey had stayed silent. Dumbledore had told him to merely listen and form theories on Seth's true intentions. One thing was clear for him, vampires in Azkaban could only imply less torments on deatheaters that were loyal to Voldemort or more punishments for the ones that weren't, and the subjugation of the wizard guards present there. This was not good, and the minister fell for it.

Seth and Corban made their way out, not without passing by Vincent's office to exchange a few words, then leaving for the atrium. They also saw Malfoy conversing with other ministry workers and Lucius's gaze had followed Seth who was making his way to the apparition area.

*Lucius, was that the King Vulken?*Asked Fernand and the blonde nodded. *Oh, crap, I have been trying to gather information about childes for so long, and that vampire Brian refuses to tell me anything, and on top of that, Mr. Scamander won't answer my owls.*He continued as he tried to see if he had left already.

Lucius placed his cane on his arm, stopping the man from going after him.

*He has no time to spend on something like this, what exactly did you want to know?*Asked Lucius as he placed back his cane away.

Fernand huffed and fidgeted.

*Like… how exactly does one ask to be a vampire? It's not written anywhere in the book. Did you see in the Daily Prophet when they wrote the names of all vampires present at the charity ball last year?*Said Fernand.

Lucius blinked and shook his head.

*You tell me.*Said Lucius.

Fernand went closer to Lucius.

*I'm a historian, Lucius. I studied Gellert Grindelwald for my schoolwork when I was at Hogwarts. He disappeared for… twenty-thirty years and everyone thought he was imprisoned in Nurmengard, when he had been with the Vulkens instead. He becomes a vampire, and everyone just forgets what he did? There were six American names, and I am sure they were modified, and I compared them to the ones in the vampire book… nothing adds up.*Said Fernand in a low quiet voice.

*And your point is?*Asked Lucius.

*I believe Grindelwald made those six vampires, and not by coincidence… Why would after centuries of not getting involved into the wizarding community, the vampires were suddenly very active in it? Everyone is focused on You-Know-Who, here, while that man lives in Egypt… doing who knows what. I think… that King Vulken is protecting us more from far more than what everyone would even dare think about. Either that, or You-Know-Who will be the least of our problems.*Whispered Fernand before going away, leaving Lucius with his thoughts.

OoOoO

August 1974

*Did you set the muggle repellant charm?*Asked Nagel.

*Yes, along several others, everything is fine.*Said Abernathy, annoyed.

Seth had given Abernathy his magic back a few days ago. The feeling of receiving that power from the King made him go to his knees, just like Vinda had done. He understood, now, the blind devotion for someone like him.

A muggle was bound to a chair, his head laid on a very small table where a device held his head and had a plastic mouthpiece maintaining his mouth wide opened. Gellert stood beside Rookwood who had pliers in his hands. The pliers held a small thin triangular metallic object where runes and curses infused it. It glowed a dark purple shade and the muggle made whimpers upon seeing the thing approaching his mouth. A deranged smile stuck on Rookwood's face as the pick was shoved in the muggle's mouth roof and a sizzling sound was heard, burning through flesh. The muggle screamed in agony and thrashed against his bonds. He gurgled blood and a handkerchief was placed in his mouth after Rookwood removed the pliers, then whispered a quick healing spell.

The muggle retched, then a mix of blood and vomit splattered in front of him as Rookwood removed the bloodied handkerchief. Then, the victim had several spasms before going limp. His heart had stopped and Gellert sniffed.

*Pity.*Mumbled Gellert.

Rookwood made a grunt then waved his wand several times, unlocking the muggle from his restraints, then moving the body to a corner of the room. The deatheater looked around, then brought more light around.

*Let me try another prototype, I did not make five different ones for nothing. I am not yet discouraged.*Said Rookwood as he went to enervate another muggle and bound him to the chair like the previous one.

The wizard's voice had trembled and Gellert grinned at the slight panic he had felt from him. As if he would be mad against a man that believed in the same things as him, contrary to a Dark Lord Rookwood followed. Gellert placed a hand on Augustus's shoulder.

*I did not doubt you, Doctor.*Said Gellert, naming his new supporter.

Rookwood made a nervous tick of his head, then proceeded with the second muggle, and his second prototype, this time, glowing a dark green. The muggle reacted similarly to the first one, but also did not survive.

Gellert went to sit on a summoned chair and crossed his legs and arms. Rookwood grunted, removing the dead muggle again. After the third and fourth muggle died, Rookwood threw the pliers across the room in frustration, sweat sliding down his forehead.

*Doctor, you still have one left. It is, after all, the one I suggested to you, is it not? I am sure, this one will succeed.*Said Gellert with a grin.

The deatheater took a deep breath and enervated the last muggle and bound her to the chair. She looked around in confusion before her head was brought forward forcefully and held by a device. Rookwood took a pleasure into shoving the metallic part in her mouth that held it open. She whimpered and thrashed against her bounds, panic flowing in her eyes. Rookwood took place in front of her and made a tap on her cheek.

*There, there now, you are going to behave, miss. If this fails, I'll have to think even harder, and I might pop a vein.*Said Rookwood warmly.

He waved his wand, bringing back the pliers into his hands, then brought out the last pick, glowing a dark red, proceeding into placing it in her mouth. The air smelled of burnt flesh and was filled with screams again. Gellert made a smile, feeling the muggle's fear and despair, but finally he felt that mental spark coming from the pick he had personally helped in making. His runewords were always flawless.

Rookwood removed the wet and bloodied handkerchief from her mouth and healed the wound. Her heart was fast and panicked, but the cursed creation did not kill her host. She made gurgled sounds again as Rookwood removed the metallic part that held her mouth and he waved his wand, removing her head from its restraints. She had a dazed expression, staring directly in front of her. The deatheater eyed Gellert.

*Can you feel anything?*Asked Rookwood.

*Indeed. Let's see the console.*Said Gellert as he stood up.

On another table was a small screen with a keyboard. Gellert had infused it with magic, runestones and runewords. It only opened if Gellert activated it first. On the screen was written several categories such as muggle, wizard, creatures, then subdivided into more folders. In the muggle folder appeared a female name and her current location. If selected, other options appeared, like terminate subject. Gellert made an evil laugh as he looked at the muggle who fell on the floor and knelt before him.

*Seems like we succeeded, Doctor.*Said Gellert.

OoOoO

August 27th 1974

Seth had showed Ruma several tactics he knew to stay hidden, to listen, to disillusion, and after several weeks, she had finally showed progress fighting the imperius curse. She was able to stop listening to his orders for a short amount of time.

*Please… Stop.*Pleaded Ruma as she was kneeling with her hands holding her head.

'Make me.'

The only last thing she needed to do was push him out of her mind.

'What if I make you hurt your friends?'

She gasped and shook her head.

*No.*Said Ruma as if a sock was in her throat.

'What if I make you hurt your parents?'

*NOO!*Screamed Ruma.

Her screams filled the mirror room and her magic flowed out of her, breaking the mirrors around her. Her mind shifted to a predatory stance and Seth was violently projected away from her mind and even made Seth fall down on the floor. When he stood back up, she was no longer in his sight. He looked around, mildly confused, when sharp claws suddenly attacked his torso, ripping his clothes, then his neck.

Seth growled and unleashed his magic, blasting away the air around him, and pushing off his attacker. Ruma morphed back into a human and cast a cutting curse at him, which he avoided, but the second one hit fully his right arm, slashing his wand holster. Blood splattered on the floor.

Seth had gasped, stumbling back, and looked at his wounded arm with fascination. A long gash went from his wrist to his shoulder and bled profusely. How could anyone actually manage to hurt him? The blood made its course down to his fingers and stained the floor. He felt the pain and the burn. He grabbed his wand from the floor and healed the wound. He mentally reassured his childes, then remembered who had actually hurt him and his eyes darted in front of him, fixing Ruma. She was breathing heavily, and her eyes were red as rubies.

*Little bird… now I know why Gellert calls you that. You actually found a way to hurt me… without… hm.*Said Seth, stopping himself from saying 'vampire blood'. *Impressive…*He mumbled.

*I… I see you. I can see your movements.*Said Ruma.

Seth stared at her intensely and made a combat stance, making her flinch.

*Indeed… show me you can, again.*Said Seth.

His wand was warm and vibrating with magic, ready to unleash its wrath.

*Expulso!*Said Ruma, her red eyes following the blue beam.

Seth avoided it and moved but Ruma had fired another one again. He had to step away as the spell was going to hit him. The third one was barely blocked by a shielding charm.

*Scutum ruptor!*Bellowed Ruma. (Shield breaker)

The white beam was so fast it hit Seth's shield and broke it. She cast again the expulsion spell, followed by the cutting curse. She was able to follow Seth's movements, and even if he did not seem to catch his breath, he was smiling. He let the fight go on for a long five minutes until she was swiftly rid of her wand by a silent disarming spell. Seth caught it, then walked to her.

*I feel like I'm actually fighting with Corban. You need to learn how to spell silently. I know Hogwarts is starting in a few days… I believe you will be able to accomplish your mission and be smart about it. If ever… you can use the new defense against the arts teacher to help you with it.*Said Seth.

*What?... Who?*Asked Ruma with wide eyes.

*Rosanne's father, Callum Yaxley.*Answered Seth.

OoOoO

September 1st 1974

*Prefects. Congrats Reg, and Rose.*Said Ruma with a smile.

*As if I was behaving… now he imposed it on me. Ugh.*Said Rosanne with disgust.

*Either that or ordering others around.*Said Regulus.

The train began to move as they continued their conversations.

*How is it at home, Reg?*Asked Ruma.

Regulus shrugged.

*Same as usual… it is very frequent to host those pureblood dinners and expect me to behave accordingly. I'm surprised you never showed up actually. My father… insisted on several family marriage contracts and the Vulkens were mentioned again. My mother does not want to hear it.*Said Regulus with a grimace.

*Does your dear mother look further than her nose? Pureblood families have squibs, half-bloods, and muggleborns in their family trees where they simply narrowed and erased the ones that are not especially purebloods. You are very lucky to not have been born with problems.*Said Ruma.

*Perhaps… but they signed a contract. It is done and I have no choice in the matter.*Said Regulus with a defeated look.

Rosanne scoffed and crossed her arms.

*Well, sorry to not be a good choice for you, Black.*Said Rosanne.

Ruma's eyes went wide in realisation.

*No, don't tell me it's actually with you?*Said Ruma.

*Rosanne… it's… still hard to grasp the fact that you won't just be one of my best friend.*Said Regulus before eyeing Ruma. *Amazingly enough, we are not directly related, and my mother did think about the prospect of extending the black family. Rosanne's aunt has married a black, and her mother is actually a Zabini…*Said Regulus.

*She can still be your best friend… I think there is nothing better than marrying your best friend actually.*Said Ruma.

Rosanne blushed and looked away. When the train was halfway to Hogwarts, Rosanne and Regulus had to begin their prefect duties and went out of the compartment. A few minutes later, Callum Yaxley, Rosanne's father, was passing by and stopped when he saw Ruma. He had a very strict demeanor, hairs tightly pulled in a ponytail and a small scar above his eye. He looked so alike Corban, she could have easily mistaken him for his brother. He entered Ruma's compartment and sat gracefully in front of her. He waved his wand, and silently put a locking and silencing charm. Something about him was very intimidating, and she wondered for a second if he even was a deatheater before knowing that Dumbledore would never have accepted one as a teacher in his school. He crossed his legs and when he spoke, it was already filled with venom.

*Mrs. Vulken, the vampire heir. Only by name, and not by blood.*Hissed Callum with a condescending tone.

Ruma frowned, now seeing he only came in to try to act superior, or maybe he wanted to prove something to her.

*I would ask you who you are, but the striking resemblance to your brother is unmistakable. The fact you already knew who I am is disturbing enough.*Said Ruma, trying hard to not smile.

*Oh, I apologize, then. My name is Callum Yaxley. My dear brother informed me they were lacking a teacher at Hogwarts, again. But I am sure, that was not the only reason he asked me this… assignment.*Said Callum with a sneer.

He could not possibly know about it, unless Seth had told him, or his brother. Corban never made those facial expressions towards her, and always respected her. She felt she would have a very hard year in his company, and she was sure as hell would not ask him for help unless she had no other choice.

*I'll manage. Thank you, Mr. Yaxley.*Said Ruma blankly.

Callum looked at her from head to toe and she sustained his inspection without a flinch.

*How could someone like you be given an honor from him. You hide your disgusting blood behind your attractive looks. Surely you think you can get in his graces by batting your eyelashes for all you are worth.*Said Callum coldly.

Ruma took time before answering to his attacks. She would not show weakness, nor would she complain to Seth.

*Yes, you are absolutely right, Mr. Yaxley. My goal is to get into Voldemort's pants. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to change into less attractive clothes, we are soon arriving at Hogwarts.*Said Ruma as she lifted her chin in defiance.

He had not moved when she said the Dark Lord's name, but he had tightened his jaw, and she saw it. Even the obvious tongue chewing he did shortly after before he stood up and left her compartment without a look behind. She let out an exhale and her hand which had been holding tightly her wand loosened. She had time to pull out her school robes and put them on before her friends came back.

*You have a lovely father, Rose.*Said Ruma.

Rosanne paled.

*I passed by him earlier, he completely ignored me, which I am not surprised, and I wondered why he was here, before I realized we are always short a DADA teacher. I don't doubt his knowledge, but if I know my father, he will scare the hell out of the students this year. I can't even believe someone like Dumbledore even accepted him to teach.*Said Rosanne before quieting down. *He is way too proud to wear the mark, but you could just assume he did.*Said Rosanne.

*Just like every single adult that come in the house of black. Figures.*Said Regulus.

They did not see Yaxley until they were in Hogwarts's dining hall, sitting at the teacher's table between Slughorn and Sinistra. Surprisingly enough, he was in deep conversation with the potion's master. A thought occurred that they might have gone to Hogwarts together as students.

*What exactly is your father's specialty?*Asked Ruma.

*He was a curse breaker. I think he was also a pianist until he met my mother… or maybe had to abandon that dream. I heard him play only once when I was young, it was magical. I think he resent a lot the muggles because of how they are no musical concerts for wizards. I think he is right, muggles are so inferior, and they should never have the pleasure to hear my father play.*Said Rosanne as she looked proudly at her father, even if he scared her.

Once the students were sorted, Dumbledore stood up.

*Once again, this year, we have a new teacher for the defense against the dark arts. Please welcome Callum Yaxley.*Said Dumbledore.

Polite clapping was heard around the room, then the Headmaster sat down after telling the school rules and the feast began. Ruma took her time to look around the seventh-year students, already starting what Voldemort had asked her. She already knew that half of all the seventh-year students were inclined to his ideas, and some were already soon to become deatheaters, like Crouch junior already was. She looked at Severus who was barely eating and twirling a strand of hair between his fingers. He only did that when he was deep in thoughts. She would talk to him later. Her gaze went towards the Gryffindors where Sirius winked at her, making her blush. He whispered something to Remus, and she quickly looked away.

OoOoO

The first DADA class was with the Gryffindors. Yaxley knew how to keep the students silenced by his mere presence in class. It started right away with a practical lesson: confronting a boggart. While it was practical to know her classmates fears, she was not sure it was a good idea to show hers.

*Let's start with Mrs. Vulken. I heard you are not scared of anything. Will the Boggart show us its true nature, after all?*Said Callum with a vicious smile.

For a teacher, in a school filled with actual children, she definitely thought he was stupid. If he even thought for a second that her fear was Voldemort and he would appear in front of her classmates, he would be the most idiot to allow this. Fortunately for her, it was not that damned Dark Lord. She tried to think about what would actually make her fear funny. Yaxley opened the closet where the boggart was with a swish of his wand.

No one knew who the person that went out of the closet was, except for Regulus. She backed away as a cold shiver passed through her.

*Little bird. Are you finally ready to die?*Said Gellert Grindelwald, his eyes black and a demented smile on his lips.

Yaxley knew it was a boggart, but he clearly remembered that wizard from the world wizarding war. He had heard Gellert became a vampire but had not done anything noticeable since Dumbledore had defeated him. He found curious that he was her boggart. Whispers of wonder were heard behind Ruma.

*No… I'm not. Rid… Riddikulus!*Said Ruma as she pointed her wand at the boggart.

Her heart was beating fast, and her thoughts had not been able to form something funny. The boggart changed into Seth. He was taller than what he really was. His crown shone too brightly on his head and his eyes seemed darker than black with dark veins on his face. There was blood pooling out of his mouth. He was wearing a leather armor, and her eyes went wide in horror as the boggart had even his tail with the weapon he used to have attached on it.

*Cin Osán- cíngweg worthui -o nin?*Said the boggart in Venthyr.

This time, a few whimpers were heard behind her.

*Ruma… it's a boggart, imagine him with no teeth and very old.*Said Regulus behind her, but he also had a shaking voice.

Ruma could not think, and she literally took her friend's advice before pointing her wand at the boggart.

*Riddikulus!*Said Ruma.

The boggart placed his hand in front of his mouth and tripped with his cane, falling down on his knees. Seth now had a dumb face on, and Ruma could not stop herself from giggling. Regulus gently pushed Ruma aside, placing himself in front of the boggart. A cloaked dark figure with red eyes went in front of him. Regulus pointed his wand and spelled the counter curse. The boggart became translucent and showed a naked man underneath hiding its parts. Regulus was not the only one laughing.

The boggart was seen as snakes, ghosts, spiders, some variation of Regulus's boggart, which she assumed was Voldemort, but since no one had ever seen him before it was only a dark figure with red eyes. A few of the Slytherin's fears were actually their father. She thought they were really twisted families. Last came Rosanne's turn, and she was trembling even before the boggart changed.

*Oh Merlin, this will be humiliating.*Said Rosanne.

The boggart changed into Callum Yaxley. He looked exactly the same as the one present in the room, and she pointed her wand at the boggart. The actual teacher was not laughing. He crossed his arms and waited for her to make him funny. Ruma found the situation cruel, and Regulus apparently too since he went in front of her and made his boggart appear instead.

*Riddikulus!*Said Regulus and the boggart became a naked ghost again.

Regulus forced a laugh, along the others and it went to hide in the closet again.

*Hmph. Lesson done for today, I want thirty centimeters on them for next class. Two points for each successfully defeated boggart. Mrs. Vulken, please stay a moment.*Said Callum.

The students gathered their things and left the classroom. Regulus and Rosanne mouthed they would wait for her outside before leaving. Callum waved his wand at the door which closed abruptly behind his daughter, then placed a privacy charm. His eyes moved to her, and she held his gaze.

*Are you ready to die? Question asked by none other than Gellert Grindelwald. Then some nonsense said by a truly terrifying vampire King. What is wrong with you?*Asked Callum.

*I'm not ready to die, nor am ready to become a vampire, which I undoubtedly think that it is something that, as a vampire heir, I am supposed to become one day. I think it normal that it is my fear, sir. Gellert and Seth have become important figures of my life, and I also think they are truly terrifying as vampires. What I find disturbing is most Slytherin's fears are their own parent, professor.*Said Ruma as she took her bag and placed it on her shoulder.

Callum stayed silent as his eyes followed Ruma leaving the classroom.

*She is more afraid of them than the Dark Lord.*Mumbled Callum to himself.

Venthyr meaning

*Cin Osán- cíngweg worthui -o nin?*

*You think yourself worthy of me?*