Author's note: For those who have read since the beginning, thank you. I wish you would have left reviews so I could do better, but I guess you all like it anyway . Once The purpose will be done, I will rewrite some chapters, especially the beginning, since I think I have become a better writer by writing more and more, and also, I have noticed some incoherencies with some things I have written, and how the magical world is supposed to work out in some instances. There will be a sequel called Vampire blood (starts after battle of Hogwarts 1998). On with chapter 46 !

"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect, and I loved you even more."-Corban Yaxley

The purpose part 46 A Christmas gathering

December 24th, 1974

The next morning, they had barely moved. Severus's arm was still wrapped around her, and when she stirred, it woke him up.

*Hello.*Said Ruma softly.

Severus did not hesitate and kissed her, loving every second to see her wake up beside him. His body wanted her again, and she probably knew it, for her hand had wrapped around him down below and within seconds, they were still united. A few minutes after, they both became undone.

*You can't imagine how happy I am Slughorn took you as an apprentice. That means I'll be able to sneak at night and go to your room next year.*Said Ruma.

Snape said nothing and slowly went off the bed to go take a shower. She followed after him. After they were cleaned and had new clothes on, they went to the dining room where several servants and some vampires had gathered around the radio, listening to news and music. Ruma giggled and took Severus's hand to bring him to the other side of the table so they could eat.

*Heyyy Ruma girl, you succeeded! Or was it your boyfriend?*Asked Steven as he had scurried up to them.

Ruma giggled again at the mention of Severus as 'Boyfriend'. He did not deny it.

*Actually, we did that together, but obviously it was all with Seth's instructions.*Answered Ruma, rolling her eyes.

*Tsk, three people to make a radio work. I'm sure whatever you did will be helpful for many other objects in the not so far future, from what I see muggles doing. I'll even have to change my plane soon because it's already old!*Said Steven, now looking at Severus. *You know, if this all get serious between you two, you'll be more implied into things you might not want. Having something like several vampires-in-law stuff, or how about me ripping your face off if you hurt her in any way.*Added Steven.

Severus paled slightly but nodded.

*Oh, come on, Steven, that was not nice to freaking scare him like that.*Said Ruma with an angry face.

*Like you would think I care, princess. By the way, did Seth tell you… who's coming today?*Asked Steven.

Ruma frowned and shook her head.

*Then, that asshole, Callum Yaxley, did all behind your back. We heard it, what you had to do, nothing is really secret in these walls. The students that you were supposed to recruit, I'm guessing young Snape here is one of them, well, they are all coming today, here. You-Know-What's his face will be here with all those deatheaters again.*Said Steven.

Severus frowned at the mention of 'recruit' and was lightly appalled by the casual naming of the Dark Lord.

*H-How are they supposed to come? Surely so many people present… there would be a spy, somewhere?*Asked Ruma nervously.

*Tsk, you tell me, you are the witch. Although Seth has actually asked us to wear red cloaks to scare the shit out of them. I must say that that thought actually excites me. If I have the chance to taste magical blood again...*Said Steven, his gaze lost in thoughts. *Anyway, we will probably just stand doing nothing. Boring.*

A shiver passed through Severus's spine. His stomach had turned in somewhat nausea mixed with excitement upon finally having some power, some recognition. To be above Potter and Black and learning dark arts freely. Could he convince Lily to follow that path?

*Right, Steven, thanks for the info. Damn it.*Mumbled Ruma.

She called a house-elf for breakfast and discussed with Severus as they ate while the vampires and servants were dancing on the other side of the giant dining room.

*Hm, should have told them to just bring the radio with them, it is going to work anywhere after all.*Said Ruma.

*No, I love watching people dance.*Said Severus with a strong sarcasm.

Ruma giggled and milk came out of her nose, making Severus smile.

It was as Steven had said, house-elves and servants had gone frantic that day, cleaning more than usual and preparing food and drinks, placing everything in the ballroom which had been enlarged again. She saw Seth with a whole bottle of wine in hand, drinking its content very often. Was he worried about something? Did he drink when he was worried? Did alcohol do anything to him? Nathaniel and Elena rarely drank but did mention it never did anything to them. Then again… Seth had a heartbeat, where most vampires did not.

Deatheaters began to arrive one after the other, some with Hogwarts students. She assumed their parents were deatheaters. A house-elf had taken Seth's empty bottle of wine. He did not appear drunk whatsoever, but she was sure he was affected anyway. She noticed he wore clothes that were similar to Nathaniel's. A short black cloak hung on the shoulder by a silver wolf head. He had a black tunic with silver and gold embroidery. If she looked closely, she could see his tail disillusionned behind him. He wore polished black shoes, and god knows she knew he hated to wear shoes. Who the hell was he trying to impress?

Corban was beside him, whispering him things where he nodded in answer. Danyck was in his red cloak with his silver mask slightly behind Seth on his right.

*Ruma, go in the ballroom with your friend.*Said Seth.

His voice had been neutral, and she was sure he would have been colder had it been not for the alcohol. She took Severus's hand for a second, then they went to the ballroom. Four cloaked vampires were by the windows, unmoving. They did not wear masks, but their faces were hidden by an unnatural darkness from their cloaks. Just how long could a vampire stay standing like that? She noticed a giant Christmas tree going to the ceiling, all magnificently decorated. What was this gathering for exactly? She went by the refreshments and gulped down a shot of water, but it was gigglewater, not just water like she stupidly thought, and it burned her throat before making her giggle. Severus looked at her weirdly.

*Gigglewater?*Said Severus.

*Apparently… and with a very high amount of alcohol, god I can't feel my fingers now.*Said Ruma, clearly exaggerating, but she did feel tingling.

Severus looked at the refreshments and there must have been dozens of different types of beverages.

*Are we supposed to be drunk before the Dark Lord arrives?*Asked Severus with a raised eyebrow.

*Better drunk and merry than crying and peeing your pants in my opinion. Besides, everyone here will just look at him with a stupid awing face. Please, don't be one.*Said Ruma as she took again another shot of gigglewater. *Hahee.*She giggled again.

They saw a cloaked figure coming in, followed by Harper Avery who clearly had not expected to be greeted by Seth, Ruma was sure of it. The fear on his face was enough for Ruma to get her little vengeance. She remembered suddenly he was not seventeen, just like her, and perhaps his fear had been to not be marked so soon. Then came others from the seventh-year: Greengrass, Parkinson, Rowle, Nott, Zabini and even more. Her heart sank when she saw Corban's brother entering with a satisfied grin on his face, and even got wider when he saw her. She took her third shot of gigglewater.

*Hahee.*Giggled Ruma, earning a worried glance from Severus.

*What is he doing here? He is not even hiding his face.*Mumbled Severus.

*Because he is no deatheater, Sev. He is just here to take credit for what I was supposed to do. Even if he went in court, nobody has anything on him anyway.*Said Ruma.

She choked on her saliva as she saw Regulus and Rosanne coming in with a beautiful black-haired woman. Not far behind came Orion and Walburga Black. Her friends came towards her nervously.

*Ruma, glad you are here. Hi Severus.*Said Regulus and Snape made a curt nod.

*Glad I'm here? Do I live here? Do you know why you are here Reg?*Asked Ruma.

She did not know why, she had hoped Regulus would not have been someone eager to be marked. She suddenly felt ill. Would every student present here get their arms branded by that madman today?

*Father said we were finally going to see the Dark Lord. The one who is going to change our world, to free us from those muggles.*Said Regulus with stars in his eyes.

She shared the sentiment but knew Voldemort's methods were simply awful.

*Right. Hey Rosanne, fancy visiting Vulken's castle.*Said Ruma.

Rosanne went to her ear to whisper.

*I don't know what you did, but father did say you impressed him while I was having dinner with my parents yesterday. No one gets praised by my father, Ruma. Except, perhaps, the Dark Lord.*Said Rosanne.

Rosanne's mother called her name, and she went back to her parents. Regulus made a nod, then joined his fiancé. Just how could she have impressed the defense against the dark arts teacher? Showing her fears? Doing the Patronus? Or silently doing spells? Well, perhaps.

*I need to sit.*Said Ruma as the room started spinning.

She made her way to one of the many empty round tables and sat. Severus sat not too far from her. They waited as more and more people kept coming, but they were all cloaked. For whatever reasons, Bellatrix entered with the Lestrange brothers, unmasked. She figured the ministry already knew who they were, although they still wore cloaks that covered their heads. Perhaps they simply did not care that their faces were now on wanted posters. Lucius's hair was recognizable, but he still wore his mask. Somewhere around the cloaked figures were Dolohov, Rosier, Carrows, Mulciber and ones she did not remember their names.

Seth entered the room followed by Corban, Danyck… and Voldemort. The room immediately fell silent. Since the last time Voldemort had made his last horcruxe, his appearance had changed dramatically, although he had done something, since he had hair again and more human features. Although, it was clear of who he was in one glance at him, his red eyes and daunting look, without even speaking about his dark aura and pure power radiating from him. Seth crossed his arms and stayed in front of the closed doors with Danyck, and Corban went to sit beside Ruma. Voldemort walked slowly in direction of the raised floor, a satisfied smile curving his lips and his red eyes scanning the room as he passed a hand on the backrest of chairs on his way. Some gasps were heard as Nagini had slithered between tables, scaring them as they lifted their feet. Nobody had seen her enter the room.

When Voldemort reached the throne-like chair, where he did not sit, his deatheaters made a bow, which prompted most of the guests to do so. Even Severus beside her had lowered his head. She looked at Seth who was staring back at her with a disapproval look, but the bowing was already done. The Dark Lord began talking. His voice placed shivers down her spine. He spoke of promises, power, and freedom. Everyone was mesmerized, eyes fixated on the one man they thought was salvation. He spoke of what had been done already, and the things that needed to be done, still.

Ruma watched as they all drowned into his words, words filled with untold misery she knew of. He did not utter a word of how, if anyone failed, they would be tortured, or have their family or friends threatened.

No.

Only glory, recognition, and honor. How sweet like candy it all was.

*Of course, they are others who… opposes us. They think our magic is safe, that wizards are out of harm's way.*He paused, gazing at the silent crowd. *We are not. To overcome those… obstacles, I need wizards that are not afraid to take risks, to go forward.*He paused again. Nods were seen around the room, some were bulging their torso in vanity. A faint smile appeared on Voldemort's lips.*I can make all of it happen, and I only ask one thing.*Said Voldemort softly.

*Anything!*Said Terrence Zabini, a seventh-year Slytherin.

Muttered agreements were said after him. Bellatrix snickered. Red eyes glimmered as the Dark Lord gazed upon the young wizards. He extended his arm, long fingers inviting the student who spoke first to come see him. Terrence walked hastily to the offered hand and went on his knees, kissing Voldemort's hand.

*That you submit to me. Until death.*He hissed in parseltongue the last two words. Even if the majority had not understood, no one contradicted his one demand.

Ruma wanted to vomit.

Instead, she stood up discreetly as more students had gone to Voldemort, kneeling, and begging for his gracious supposed power, and she gulped a shot of Firewhiskey. Why was Seth not saying a thing? She looked at him, still standing by the door. His expression was neutral, but he looked everything like a king should look like. She would bow to Seth without a second thought. She followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at the tree. Did he used to celebrate Christmas with his family when he was younger? Having a beautiful tree like that every year with gifts underneath? His eyes moved to her, and she blushed, looking away.

Voldemort spoke again as the students had backed away. He promised that they would soon hear again from him, should they prove worthy of receiving his mark. On this, he elegantly made his way out, followed closely by only a few deatheaters, including a cackling Bellatrix. Seth had whispered something to Voldemort right before he left, making him smile. When the door closed behind them, Seth finally spoke.

*It is Christmas Eve. Enjoy the feast, drinks, and music provided. Everyone is welcome to show their faces.*Said Seth.

Ruma thought he was leaving. But was surprised to see him going to the refreshment table and gulping down three shots of Firewhiskey in a row. The four red cloaked vampires went to him, as well as Danyck and Corban. The wizards stayed away from the refreshment table, clearly avoiding vampires.

*You can remove that attire, no one here is against his wishes, no one is afraid. His speech saw to that.*Said Seth.

Ruma's eyes widened at his saying. He really had been guarding the door and listening to every heartbeats and feelings around the room for traitors and liars.

*Except you, Ruma.*He added.

She paled, then swallowed.

*Yeah, sure. You perfectly know I'll blabber everything I saw and heard to the ministry.*Said Ruma.

Steven snorted, and Galea giggled.

*And every damn vampire, Seth.*Said Darthael. *It's not really a secret that we are against him, and not you. Well, not against, but no vampire will submit to him.*He trailed off, but then looked at Danyck who crossed his arms. *Oh right. Danyck. I preferred way more when we were goofing around in London, when you were just a nice muggle.*

*You want to go goofing around on Christmas Eve, Darty?*Asked Danyck with a raised eyebrow.

*Sure thing but… I had to, erm… *Hesitated Darthael before glancing at Seth, who took a few seconds before understanding what he needed.

He was still addicted to magical blood. That moment could have been awkward for anybody, but it wasn't for them anymore.

*Hurry along. Steven, fancy giving us a ride?*Asked Danyck.

Steven shrugged then eyed Galea who also shrugged and followed Danyck out. Ruma went back to sit beside Severus who looked at Darthael curiously. Seth had presented his wrist to the other vampire who took it avidly, sinking his teeth in it.

*Why is another vampire drinking Seth's blood?*Whispered Severus.

Corban smirked, making his way silently over their table.

*Because Darthael is addicted to magical blood.*Answered Corban over Severus's shoulder.

Severus gasped and turned his head at Corban.

*Profess… oh, Mr. Yaxley. Addicted, you say?*Said Severus, almost confusing him for his brother.

Corban sat beside Severus.

*Yes, just like any wizard can get addicted to pain relieving or dreamless potions.*Said Corban.

Darthael had already left the room, and Seth had a glass of wine in his hand again. Ruma made a worried glance towards Seth, then looked at Corban.

*Is he okay?*Asked Ruma.

The guests were now by the refreshment tables when the vampires had gone. Orion Black was talking with Seth about something that made him frown, then looked at Ruma for a second. She looked away.

*Okay, what did I do this time?*Asked Ruma.

*You have been seen with Sirius Black several times, and since he has been disowned by his family, he wanted to remind Seth any union with his son is void of the name Black.*Said Corban.

Severus excused himself and stood up, but Ruma took his hand and stopped him.

*Sev, I'm not with him. I don't even want to be with him. I know you hate him. Please, stay with me.*Said Ruma softly, her eyes silently pleading her friend.

Corban took a step back and tilted his head.

*For what it is worth, Mr. Snape, she says the truth.*Said Yaxley before going back to Seth.

Severus looked at Yaxley walk away then darted his eyes back to Ruma, his hand still in hers.

*Don't go back to him then. I'm not saying to end whatever friendship you have with him… but since… yesterday…*Said Severus softly as he sat back on his chair.

*Am I understanding that you have the same feelings towards Lily then?*Asked Ruma with a questioning look.

Severus froze a second, and a veil passed in his eyes, his face darkening.

*I… it's not the same! We never… I mean…*Said Severus but was silenced by Ruma kissing him passionately, her hands on his cheeks.

She did not care people looked at them now, that's what she wanted, that's who she wanted. Orion smirked at the couple and looked at Seth.

*You probably don't know; his mother is a pure-blood family with the name Prince. Very dark story there. Rumours say that she refused to use her magic and was manipulated by a disgusting muggle. She was cast away and now lives in a shady area. He could claim back his heritage and make a worthy in-law.*Said Orion before taking a sip of wine taken from the refreshment table.

*In-law.*Repeated Seth softly.

He had never really thought about Ruma's love life. At first, he wanted to use her for influence by the name she bore, which had been slightly useful, at first. Especially when Orion Black wanted his son to court Ruma. Everything that was needed of her now was to make her a powerful figure in society for the simple fact that she was the vampiric heir. He frowned at that thought, he did not think an heir was useful unless he died, which was far from happening anytime soon, and if she did not become a vampire, she would die before him. Albeit it was not the only way to become immortal, he did not think she would make a horcruxe, or take the philosopher's stone from Flamel. What were the vampires to her? What was she really to the vampires?

*She is not even sixteen yet. Plenty of time to ponder about her life. My brother told me of her fears. Her boggart is you and Gellert, and she mentioned not being ready to become a vampire.*Thought Corban, responding to Seth's own thoughts.

*A first magical being in a vampire community, without being a vampire, now that's something.*Said Orion, his face in his wine glass again.

Seth's face hardened as he eyed Orion. Had deatheaters been so discreet that Orion did not even know Seth had never lost his magic? He looked at the guests around the room, chatting, drinking, and eating. Most teenagers were dancing by the music from the radio Severus and Ruma, who had now left the ballroom, had enchanted. He saw Ronan Nott, the one with whom he did spend more time than any other deatheater at Hogwarts, other than Corban. His father was no where to be seen, and he was speaking with, Seth assumed, was his son. As if he knew Seth was looking at him, Ronan's eyes went to him, and he shook his head. He then looked around again, and noticed some had gone to Hogwarts with him, but among them, some had not become deatheaters, and thought he had lost his magic after 'becoming' a vampire.

*Orion. I hope you do realize that I always have been a vampire, even during our time at Hogwarts.*Said Seth, calling him by his first name, reminding him just how long they had known each other. Orion seemed to process the information he just received. *I have not become the vampire King because I was chosen, but because I was born to royal vampire parents.*Finished Seth as he sent a partial wave of magic towards him.

Orion took a step back, eyeing Seth head to toe, placing his wine glass on the table. He glanced at Corban who had been his friend too. Did he know?

*You… but… you…*Said Orion, not believing what he just heard.

Seth relished the moment and went closer to Orion.

*You really think Voldemort would have been so interested in vampires had I not stayed a wizard all along?*Asked Seth quietly.

He was now a few inches from his face and Orion hit his back against the table, making glasses chime behind him. It brought attention to them, and Lord Black made his way to them.

*What did my son say to you to offend you in any way, King Vulken?*Said Arcturus as if ready to unleash his wrath upon his heir.

Seth smiled and made one step back, hearing a sigh of relief from Orion.

*Not a thing, Lord Black. Please, enjoy yourself in my home.*Said Seth before seeing Walburga waving at him to dance.*If you will excuse me, I believe Mrs. Black wants to dance.*Added Seth with a grin before making his way to her.

Orion turned to Corban.

*Corban, you are loyal to him, aren't you?*Asked Orion, a bit distraught.

His father frowned in disapproval.

*Son, learn to watch your tongue, walls are listening.*Said Arcturus.

*It depends on who you mean by him, Mr. Black. Nevertheless, a proper answer would be: yes, to both.*Said Corban, half-lying.

*My son is thicker than a brick, Mr. Yaxley. He does not even see how deep your relation is with the vampire King. When Rodolphus appeared on our doorstep for healing potions a few years ago, I made an investigation. You can't hide anything from me.*Said Arcturus before closing in on Corban, his voice now barely a whisper.*There even is a rumour… you are just like him. Of course, now I am too old to even consider that option. I find the perspective of living eternally questionable, but I cherish the fact that Mr. Vulken and the Dark Lord will make this world for the better, even after I am long gone.

*Rumour?*Asked Corban, brushing whatever else he said.*The only rumour you can count on is that I'm Seth's lover. I am not hiding it.*Said Corban with his chin high.

Arcturus's eyes glimmered.

*Hn. I was always known as being a little too observant for my own good and even the Dark Lord knows this. You see, my grandsons were both enamoured by Ruma. The Black family has been intertwined by wizards only, almost all pure-bloods for generations.*Said Arcturus. A grimace had crossed his features upon saying 'almost'.*I favored your niece over Ruma even if it meant… dismissing Vulken's title and heritage.*Finished Lord Black.

Corban shifted his weight on his other foot and placed his fingers together.

*Say the strongest wizard on the planet was a muggleborn, would you still think like you do, Lord Black? I'll let you on some insightful information, one of Ruma's ancestor was actually a Malfoy.*Said Corban.

Mild shock and disbelief passed on Lord Black's face. Then, a frown appeared as he thought furiously at this new information. Orion stayed silent as he emptied his third glass of wine. Arcturus was about to speak, his finger up in the air, then as if he felt self-conscious, he placed down his hand and regained composure, clearing his throat.

*You think the vampire King is the strongest wizard?*Asked Arcturus as he looked over his shoulder where Seth was dancing graciously with Narcissa not too far away.

*I do. He was born to vampires, in 1915, but those vampires lived in the 1400s as muggles, in this very castle.*Said Corban.

None of that had been written in the vampire book.

*The book… He was not born by wizards, then turned to a vampire?*Asked Arcturus with a raised eyebrow.

Orion removed his face from his glass of wine.

*H-He did say he had b-been a vampire all this time, father… hic.*Said drunkenly Orion.

*Better keep your manners, son, stop drinking.*Said Lord Black with a disapproving look. His gaze went back to Corban as Orion mumbled swears and left them.*It's impossible, Mr. Yaxley, vampires are dead, they have no heartbeat, no air in their lungs, how co…*Began Arcturus but Corban made a step towards him, and he flinched.

*You can call me a liar, that won't change anything. Believe what makes you sleep at night. He is a vampire, he is a king, he is a muggleborn wizard, Lord Black, and none present here could better him.*Said Corban passionately.

Arcturus observed him intensely and took another step back trying to distance himself from the man.

*You are more than just a lover. You certainly made a ritual of some sort to link yourself to him.*Mumbled the wizard. Corban's lip curled in a grin.

*You have no idea.*Said Corban.

*Why are you telling me all this?*Said Arcturus as he eyed the alcohol on the table.*I need a drink.*Decided Lord Black before gulping a shot of Firewhiskey.

*Because you are still Lord Black and not bearing his mark. If I can make wizards realize who Seth is, the real leader of this world, without having a psychopathic Dark Lord indoctrinate everyone to what his perfect world would be, that would still be a start. Seth has a real beating heart and soul, Voldemort does not… anymore.*Said Corban before tilting his head and going to join Seth on the dance floor.

*Arcturus is well versed in dark black magic, you think he will get the hint about horcruxes?*Thought Corban.

*Probably not right away, but you did plant a seed, I am sure.*Thought Seth.

Arcturus thought, hard, again. He looked at Corban making his way to Seth who had just finished dancing with Walburga. He looked at the vampire King from a different perspective. Voldemort had spoken an hour earlier, and everything seemed so right, so perfect, and he had felt the Dark Lord's power in every word. Had he used compulsion charms as he had talked? He had always allowed Orion to think for himself, in where he had not been interested in serving the Dark Lord directly but had felt pride upon seeing Regulus kiss the hem of Voldemort's robes earlier. He now thought it was unsettling.

Seth was dancing. Actually dancing with anyone asking him. He was smiling. Not the kind of smile with dark intentions behind. No. Simply happiness. Everyone around him was happy. His eyes went to a man in a complete men suit with a tie. His simple clothes screamed muggle, and he suddenly realized where he actually was. If this was a vampire castle, they obviously needed to have a food source, which was muggles. He rubbed fingers on his temples when he saw three other persons entering the ballroom. It had caught Seth's attention, where he promptly went to them. He had time to catch a smell of wood as he passed before him and saw him kiss an old woman's hand before hearing the conversation.

*Kathleen. Merry Christmas. Glad to see you used my portkey for the celebration, Mr. Thomas, and Elizabeth.*Said Seth.

Elizabeth was obviously a vampire, her eyes as blue as artic ice. Kathleen was a very old woman but shared a strickling resemblance to the other woman, and curiously enough, they looked like older version of Ruma. Arcturus's eyes widened as he realized they were Ruma's parents and probably grand-mother. Another shot of Firewhiskey went in his stomach and he made his way back to the still drunk son of his and sat beside Regulus who was actively speaking with Rosanne. He eyed Seth going to the dance floor, hand in hand with the named Kathleen. The music was soft and so they danced accordingly, Seth's lips moved, saying words he could not hear, but could perfectly read.

'How's your health?' Had he asked where he could not hear her answer as he faced her back. The answer had not satisfied him. 'You still don't want to…' He had asked and she placed her head on his chest, where he saw her lips moved now. 'I always loved your slow heartbeat. So soothing. So peaceful.' She closed her eyes. Seth has a heartbeat.

*Regulus. Do you know why Seth would be holding Ruma's grand-mother in that matter?*Asked Arcturus.

Regulus stopped speaking with Rosanne and looked at Seth, intrigued by his grand-father's request.

*I'm assuming she must have been a muggle servant for many years.*Said Regulus with a shrug.

Arcturus said nothing but nodded his head in acknowledgement. Regulus went back to speaking with Rosanne actively. He saw Ruma coming back in the ballroom, then hugging her parents. Didn't Regulus tell him four years ago that Ruma's father was the vice-president of Africa? That would be the equivalent of the director for the ministry of magic. Another man entered the ballroom, he had a muggle weapon on his belt. That thought made him uneasy. Bullets could kill wizards if they had not placed the required shields on them beforehand. He stood up, pulling his wand out.

*Father?*Asked Orion nervously.

Arcturus moved his wand around himself then to Orion and his wife and then Regulus and Rosanne. They all looked at him with confusion, and he sat back down.

*Why did you put a hard skin shield on us?*Barked Walburga before looking around, searching for a threat.

The music changed and Seth walked to them.

*Lord Black, do you feel threatened in my home?*Asked Seth with an amused grin, having detected the magic that had been done.

*There is a muggle weapon on that man. Muggles are unpredictable and prone to act aggressively for no reason, especially towards magic.*Said Arcturus as he gestured towards the man with a weapon.

*I guess it would be a normal reaction. Although, that weapon is blank, for Dorian is a vampire with a transfiguration spell on his eyes. He is the personal bodyguard of Thomas, to keep appearances wherever he goes, since Thomas is the vice-president of Africa.*Said Seth before making a curt nod and turning heels, walking to the refreshment table again.

Regulus could not help a snort from coming out and mumbled 'Paranoid old man', which resulted into getting a stinging hex on his sides from his father. Regulus winced and rubbed his side before inviting Rosanne to dance, and both left the table happily. Even Ruma had managed to make Severus dance. Orion stood up and went to other tables to chat with other Lords, such as Greengrass and Zabini. Arcturus sighed and turned his wand between his fingers. He could not just stop being cautious about everything, a Slytherin trait he cherished and kept his family alive, that's what it was.

Christmas Eve brought an overall wellbeing to Vulken's castle. Even Callum Yaxley played some piano to her daughter's delight and the other guests. The servant Michael brought his guitar and played along the wizard. It was well after midnight that people started leaving, having wished a merry Christmas to the ones still present. The house-elves had begun to clean the room as Seth and Corban thought themselves alone.

They thought alike and closed the gap between them before kissing passionately. Their minds were fuzzy from the high amount of ingested alcohol and diminished their awareness senses. A house-elf tugged on Seth's pants repetitively, his voice seeming distant for Seth to hear.

*I think your house-elf is trying to tell you I am still here.*Said Arcturus, not a single remorse in his voice.

Seth interrupted the heated kiss he was having with Corban.

*I would think you are such a voyeur, Lord Black.*Said Seth without looking at him.

*Hn. I can't say it is not nice to the eyes, but I was waiting to speak with you.*Said Lord Black.

Seth turned to face him, a spark of anger going in his eyes. Colpy apparated away.

*I do not think I am in any state of talking, and you chose a rather odd time to desire something from me.*Said Seth with a hint of venom in his voice.*You may have questions about what Corban told you earlier, but you have extended my welcoming hospitality.*

Understanding the underlaying threat, Arcturus paled slightly and bowed.

*Merry Christmas, my… Mr. Vulken.*Said Arcturus, almost slipping at calling Seth something else.

Seth had noticed and he smiled in amusement before Arcturus made his way out and Seth resumed his doings with Corban before apparating in his bedroom, lips glued to his lover.

It had been a nice Christmas.

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