"There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment."

The purpose chapter 50 End of term

January 27th, 1975

Ruma had once again woken up earlier than everyone, and she had wanted some fresh air. By doing so, she noticed the full moon as she flew high in the sky. She would probably see the marauders coming out of the whomping willow when the sun came up, which it was about to happen in the next hour. She spotted a rabbit and dove towards it. Her claws penetrated the rabbit, but the fast blow alone killed it instantly.

Her rapid thoughts told her to rip out the flesh out of the animal, since she was very hungry. Her human side was slightly disgusted by the prospect. Leaving the rabbit there, knowing perfectly there was enough animals around that would take her kill, she flew around the whomping willow and saw the marauders coming out. She made a screech and dove again to them but landed softly on the Stag's antlers. The black dog beside Remus began to bark, waving his tail. They all morphed back to their human form and Ruma flew away just to come back on Sirius's extended arm.

*Go on guys, I need to talk to her anyway. You all right Moony?*Said Sirius.

Remus did a faint smile and shrugged.

*It was a nicer night than usual. Thanks, Padfoot. Hello, Ruma.*Said Remus before following a grunting James and Peter.

Ruma chirped in answer. Sirius walked in direction of the frozen lake.

*I take it you are better. I really tried to go to you… but you kept pushing me away and all.*Said Sirius.

Ruma went off his arm and went a bit further and morphed back on the frozen lake. Sirius joined her and breathed in the winter air.

*I was afraid because the attack I had was not just a stupid curse. Malcolm used a ritual on me, and to make it worse, he imperiused Severus to do it.*Said Ruma.

*He imperiused Sni… Snape? What ritual?*Asked Sirius, worried.

*You probably heard what my worst fears are, right?*Said Ruma.

*Heard… well, something about becoming a vampire, which surprised so many of us, since you were actually raised by them?*Said Sirius.

*The thing is… it's not really about becoming one. It's actually about the moment it was going to be done. As a vampire heir, I assume I will have no choice in the matter… but if vampires can live eternally and if Seth never actually dies, then perhaps I never have to be one… until I'm way older. Having children, and perhaps… becoming a healer.*Said Ruma, placing a hand over her heart.*With this war… there will be casualties, on all sides. Being in the middle of this, I could heal where I'm needed, not because I have chosen a side, but simply because I'll be the best at what I do.*Added Ruma.

Sirius frowned.

*So… you would heal a murderer, just because you can? If someone killed your parents or your friends, you would be able to not choose a side?*Asked Sirius.*Ultimately, we all have to choose one, and I would rather be the side where I can live safely with my friends and family, not on one that implies murders, torture, and agony.*Said Sirius.

Ruma stayed silent for a moment, letting his words sink in some truths.

*You may be right on this.*She sighed.*Anyway, you asked what ritual was used… it made me unable to eat food. I had to drink blood, and muggle blood made me sick, so I turned to magical blood, and Severus was there when I needed him. I found the cure, and I'm okay now.*Said Ruma, her eyes drifting away.

Sirius expressions had changed to complete horror, then consternation.

*What do you mean, you found the cure? What about Dumbledore? Or even Madam Pomfrey?*Asked Sirius.

*Dumbledore is not all-knowing.*She scoffed.*You know what? The one that actually helped me find the cure was Grindelwald, the same man that Dumbledore defeated thirty years ago!*Said Ruma.

*What?... Grin…*Began Sirius, but Ruma was fed up to having to explain everything.

*Stop it! Look Sirius, you… I like you, a lot. You are usually open-minded, for a Gryffindor, but you are leaving Hogwarts in a few months, and… and I have no idea what life has got for me in the next two years.*Said Ruma, looking down at the light snow covering the lake.*I had to explain myself for how I acted towards you in the last weeks, and I did. You are funny, and a really sweet guy, but…*

*You love Snape.*Stated Sirius bluntly.

He watched her reaction, and only a tear fell down, a light nod confirming what he had said. His own heart broke in a millions pieces. He made a step back, faltering under his emotions. He felt like insulting her, insulting Snape, yelling profanities. Perhaps, he would have wanted to have the words to make her see otherwise, to make her change her mind. For the moment, he wanted to flee. She looked at him with complete sadness, and regret.

*I imagined this conversation a hundred times, and I wished our friendship could have continued beyond the choices either of us make. If… if it's still the case before you leave school, I hope you can tell me.*Said Ruma with a broken voice.

A flutter of wings passed beside Sirius's cheek as Ruma took flight and went away.

OoOoO

Crabbe senior was bowing low on the floor before his master. Fingers tapping the armrest as Voldemort was thinking. Pure-blood supremacy had been useful, and yet, Crabbe junior had been expelled from Hogwarts, along with the Parkinson girl because they judged cursing a mudblood would be impressive in his eyes.

How pitiful and futile that had been.

A potential follower was now in Azkaban, and he also had a furious father to that student to deal with, albeit now also kneeling on one knee before him.

*My lord, my son…*Pleaded with a very obvious disgust the Greengrass patriarch.

*Tell me how your idiot son would be worth my time more than any followers in Azkaban.*Said the Dark Lord coldly.

Nagini slithered behind the kneeling men and hissed, making Crabbe whimper.

*At least… if the vampires would leave him alone.*Said Greengrass.

Voldemort laughed, an icy laughter devoid of emotions, and stood up.

*Because you really think attacking the vampire heir would be of no consequences?*Snapped Voldemort.

*I did not approve any of his actions! I had no idea he would even target a Slytherin, let alone be the Vulken girl!*Said Greengrass with irritation.

*Your ignorance does not excuse the pathetic father you make, Lord Greengrass.*Hissed the Dark Lord, walking slowly towards the man.

The deatheaters around him snickered softly and Voldemort hummed. The man worked with the regulation of magical creatures, in the office right beside the one where Vincent Vulken worked as the law and security of said creatures that included vampires among others.

*You are very fortuitous to have such a position in the ministry, and I deem your son's punishment so... fitting.*Said Voldemort coolly, then pointed his white wand at Crabbe.*As for you, Mason… Crucio!*Hissed the Dark Lord, a smile on his lips.

The man fell on the floor, screaming and spasming violently as Lord Greengrass moved away, cowering from the sight. When Voldemort stopped the curse, he shared a look with Danyck, who had been standing a few meter away from him and smiled evilly. With his unspoken permission, Danyck moved his hand up like a hook and Crabbe was lifted in the air forcefully. The man cried in pain as his skin was on fire from the cruciatus. Danyck pulled the man's hair to expose the neck and he sank his teeth in him, making Mason yell again.

Voldemort laughed again and after a short moment, Danyck let go of the man who fell on the floor for the second time.

*GOYLE, Bring Crabbe elsewhere, perhaps to his pathetic wife and son, until he thinks he can serve me better.*Hissed Voldemort.

*Y-Yes, my Lord.*Said a hooded figure before grabbing Crabbe and apparating away.

Danyck licked his lips and looked at Lord Greengrass avidly.

*Tsk, not him, Danyck.*Said Voldemort softly as he placed a hand on Danyck's shoulder.

Voldemort turned his head at Fenrir Greyback, also present in the room.

*How's your tribe coming in, Fenrir?*Asked the Dark Lord.

The werewolf hissed at Danyck, who could not hold a smirk, before answering Voldemort.

*They like the manor. Although, it is missing accommodations.*Sneered Fenrir.

*Perhaps, some more… persuasion in the Wizengamot would help, is it not, Lord Greengrass?*Asked Voldemort, turning towards the man.

The Dark Lord was meaning to send Fenrir on his family, should he fail to influence others into giving more accommodations to the werewolves, something that had been going on for months already, and Fenrir was growing impatient.

*It… it needs time. Vampires were not even given rights for centuries.*Mumbled Greengrass.

Fenrir grabbed the man by the collar.

*Well, we don't have centuries.*Snapped the werewolf.

Greengrass coughed, turning his head from his foul breath. Fenrir let the man go and Greengrass fell on the floor, but he grunted his displeasure. The Lord stood up and patted away the dust from his clothes.

*I'm not some toy you can play with, Greyback. My family name still holds respect in the ministry, and I could make your life more pitiful than it already is.*Said Greengrass before turning his head, laying low, towards Voldemort.*With due respect, my Lord. I will place the werewolf case again on the table on the next meeting.*Added the man.

*You do that. Now, leave.*Hissed Voldemort.

Greengrass made a curt bow before leaving. Danyck tilted his head as if listening to something. Voldemort knew what was happening: Seth was talking to him. One thing he actually found useful with that vampire is he could actually speak with Seth anytime he wanted.

*The ministry wants to have a wizarding show sometime in mid-July because of pressure from other countries to alleviate the mood. Oh, really.*Said Danyck with a grin as he thought of how much he could do in damage, but quickly lost his smile.

*He does not want you to go.*Laughed Fenrir and Danyck growled in answer.

Voldemort was looking away, thinking, and rubbing his chin while the two argued behind him. The distraction of the wizarding show could go in his favor. He could cause even more terror and have an open way of attacking the present aurors there. Knowing how Seth despised aurors, he was pretty sure he would not be in his way. His reveries were interrupted by curses being fired and a now bleeding Fenrir.

*I'm surrounded by idiots.*Mumbled the Dark Lord as he passed a hand through his hair.

OoOoO

June 1975

Weeks passed, then months did, and the sun warmed the castle. Ruma never heard from the marauders again. They had not stopped making pranks, but they had left them alone even when they passed beside them in hallways. Losing Sirius's friendship had been hard, but her love for Severus only grew, and many times they had met in the potion classroom after making sure Slughorn was out for the night, but also after placing privacy charms on the door.

*Where are you going this summer? Do you have summer off before your tutelage with Slughorn?*Asked Ruma between two breaths.

*I do... have the summer off.*Said Severus before kissing her again.

Ruma was sitting on him while he was sitting on a chair very uncomfortably.

*This chair hurts.*Said Severus and Ruma snorted before going off of him.

*Do you want to stay with me at the castle? We can pass all the time in the potion room if you would like.*Said Ruma with a wink.

*That would actually be awesome.*Said Severus.

They went back to their common room for the night. Next day was exams for both of them. The examiners were wizards and witches from the ministry, led by Griselda Marchbanks. In defense against the dark arts, Regulus told her they made him face a boggart. Although she had not a problem with it, she wondered about the other students who had actually seen Voldemort in person this time, until she saw who the examiner for DADA was. She entered the private room where the exam was to be held and saw Corban Yaxley.

*Corban! I mean… Mr. Yaxley? How come it isn't your brother doing the examination?*Asked Ruma.

Corban made a soft smile for her.

*So that the teachers don't favorite their students. But in this case, I made pressure to be the one for DADA since I work at the ministry, but also because Callum is my brother. Funnily enough, Dumbledore seemed very inclined towards that option too. Besides, my brother has already accepted another job as curse breaker with Nathaniel in Egypt, not wanting the curse of the DADA to befall on him.*Said Corban.

He waved his wand towards a board where her name appeared, then a list of tests where beside the number one was written boggart. A giant chest was beside him, where she thought the boggart must have been.

*I see. I feel better knowing questions won't be asked to students who have seen Voldemort, like Regulus.*Said Ruma.

*We thought that too, until I've seen otherwise. The students who were there last Christmas now revere too much the Dark Lord, and their fears turned to something else, or rather… Seth.*Said Corban.

Ruma's eyebrows went high in surprise.

*What? He did not do anything that day worth being scary.*Wondered Ruma.

*Exactly, but then Regulus's boggart was really Voldemort, and he had been the only one so far. I figure since he knows you very well, and he had seen Seth before, he was not as scary as the Dark Lord. The thing is… the way Seth is represented by other students is very unsettling. Black eyes, with an armor and blood coming out of his mouth. Wasn't that how Callum described your boggart to me? I don't believe you have actually ever seen Seth like that.*Said Corban.

*No… It was not Seth I was scared of, but rather what he represented. I did see Gellert at first asking me if I was ready to die.*Said Ruma as she looked down and held her arm.

Corban stayed silent for a moment, then smiled again.

*Seth says he will never turn you against your will, and he will do everything he can to protect you like any family member should. You should never be scared of him, or that prospect, ever again.*Said Corban softly.

Ruma repressed a sob as the emotions filled her.

*Oh…*She moved a hand over her mouth.

*Now then, shall we begin your evaluation?*Asked Corban.

She swallowed hard, placing herself in a defensive stance and nodded fiercely. Corban waved his wand towards the chest which flung open. The boggart was now in the shape of Severus Snape who walked towards her with a mean look.

*I could never love a mudblood like you. You disgust me.*Said Severus with hate and revulsion.

Ruma sighed. Her worst fear was now her boyfriend rejecting her like a damn teenager. Corban could not help himself and he laughed, startling the boggart.

*Oh, shut up, Corban. Riddikulus!*Said Ruma as she pointed her wand at the boggart.

Severus was now bald and wore a bright pink dress. Ruma bursted in laughter and the boggart stumbled back and fell in the opened chest which closed on him afterwards.

*You know, I'll never forget that.*Snickered Corban.*Now, second test. Disarm me in the fastest way you can. You will be judged upon the spells you use, accuracy and how much time it takes you.*Added the examiner.

*Well, I suppose no one have succeeded so far?*Asked Ruma.

Corban raised an eyebrow.

*You really think I would demonstrate my skills in front of the students? I used minimal defence like it is required of me for the 5th year students.*Said Corban.

*Oh.*Noted Ruma.

Corban sighed and waved his wand at the board where the word disarming appeared beside number two.

*Ready in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.*Said Corban, his wand up in defense.

Ruma waved her wand and cast a disarming spell silently at him where Corban raised a shield. Seeing he would not let her succeed so easily, she used her Falcon's eyes to see everything faster. She cast a stinging hex, followed by a cutting curse, the shield breaker and ending with the disarming spell again, all silently.

Corban waved the first off, then made a shield again but got it broken by her spell, which surprised him, and his wand flew off in her hand as the disarming spell had hit him.

*I should have expected that from you. I'm impressed you all did your spells silently.*Said Corban.

Ruma gave back his wand to Corban, grinning.

*Amazingly enough, your brother showed us the theory behind it. We practised it a little and he said it takes great discipline of the mind to do so. After Severus was imperiused… he did everything to be an Occlumens. I wanted to be one too, even if I struggle with it still, but then doing the spells silently became easier.*Said Ruma.

*Saying it to me is fine but keep that information for yourself.*Said Corban sternly.

He waved his wand at the board one last time where the word Shielding appeared beside the number three. Now knowing what was expected of her for the last part, she readied herself.

*For this last part, you will protect yourself from my spells, and you may attempt to disarm me again as means of ending this part. You must at least use one shield and one evasive maneuver. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.*Said Corban.

Yaxley began to cast stinging hexes in successions where Ruma successfully made a Protego. He broke her shield, then, just like she had done, he cast a cutting curse, but his was stronger. She rolled to the side, but could not avoid his second curse, and she got hit by it, making her fall. Corban thought the short fight had ended, but as she fell, she had whipped her wand and disarmed him again. Corban laughed at the situation.

*Well, I will never underestimate you ever again.*Said Corban with a smile.

Ruma ended the jelly-leg curse he had cast on her, then stood up, brushing away the dirt from her clothes with a hand.

*Of course, you won't.*Said Ruma with a grin and handing over his wand again.

*Well, I normally don't reveal the results, but considering you have disarmed me twice, I don't think you would doubt what I give you. Even my brother could not deny something else than an O.*Said Corban.

With another smile, Ruma made a curt nod then went out of the room as Corban scribbled on a parchment.

OoOoO

It was the last day of school. Ruma joined her friends on the train, glad the O. were done and gone. Severus joined their compartment a few minutes after departure. He landed a kiss on her forehead before sitting down. They all talked for a long time, until Sirius Black appeared outside of their compartment and knocked.

*What could my brother possibly want?*Asked Regulus.

*I'll go outside, it's probably for me.*Sighed Ruma before standing up, softly letting go of Severus's hand.

She opened the door and went out before closing it behind her. Sirius placed privacy charms before speaking.

*Before I met you, I never knew what it was like to look at someone and smile for no reason.*Began Sirius.

*Sirius…*Said Ruma with sadness.

*Let me finish.*Said the older Black, looking through the window, then turning back to Ruma.*We have been asked to join a group to fight Voldemort and the deatheaters. I remember what you told me about what you wanted to do, but also what you had been asked to do. I don't want to see you on a battlefield one day and live with a decision I'll never be able to make. I'm pretty good at bad decisions.*Said Sirius.

Ruma did not know what to answer. Her heart swelled with conflicting emotions. Her heart belonged to Severus, but as she looked at Sirius, his eyes filled with desperation, she doubted herself.

*Don't do this to me, please.*Pleaded Sirius as he cupped her face with his hands.

She moved back, clearly aware her friends could see through the compartment windows.

*Sirius… I'm not… I mean, you are making me feel things I should not, and I love Severus, but I lo… I like you too. Can you just…*Said Ruma before Severus opened the compartment door with a scowl on his face, breaking the privacy charms.

*Get busy leaving or get busy dying, Black. Your mere presence gave us all a headache.*Sneered Severus.

*The sheer amount of oil on your face probably did it, greasy git.*Replied Sirius.

Ruma groaned and left them there, not wanting to have to say anything. She went all the way to the front of the train where the train driver was. She asked him if he could tell her how a train worked, and he accepted with a laugh.

*Students come every now and then, asking me how the train works even if they are not interested and are just searching for an excuse to be away from their friends. I supposed you are not any different, but I love to talk.*Said the old driver.

She nodded with a shy smile and sat beside him for almost the rest of the ride.

*You should go back, I'm sure whatever happened settled down.*Said the man with a smile.

*Thank you, sir. Have a nice summer.*Said Ruma.

As she closed the door behind her, she was startled by Sirius who now had a black eye. She wondered in what state Severus was when he leaned towards her and kissed her forcefully and grabbed her wrists, bringing them over her head as her back hit the window behind her. The cold on her back made her shiver, but the warmth of Sirius against her body compensated the temperature shift. He bit her bottom lip, then pushed his tongue to enter her mouth where she let him. Her excitement flared in her mind and body. Sirius began to kiss her jaw, then went up to her ear, down to her neck and sucked hard on her skin.

She moaned and mewled in his ears, where he answered with a growl as he pressed his body harder on her. She could now clearly feel him on her thigh and the prospect of him taking her here drove her crazy in desire. But, somewhere, the thought of Severus came back to her.

*Sirius…*She moaned again as he was now rubbing his face on her breasts through the fabric.

*Let me have you, one last time. I'll never bother you again if you choose to really be with him after this day.*Pleaded Sirius.

*That's… that's not how this works. Why are you doing this to me? Playing with my emotions like that? L-Let me go.*Said Ruma weakly.

In response, he let go of her wrists, took his wand, and cast privacy and locking charms to both the driver's door and the other compartment.

*If you really want to leave, undo my spells, and go.*Said Sirius, taking one step away from her.

A tear fell down her cheeks, and she shook her head.

*That's not how any of this works. Good-bye, Sirius.*Said Ruma.

She unlocked the compartment door and made her way to her friends. Severus had no black eyes, but he did not look all good. He was holding his sides.

*Tell me what he did to you, Sev?*Asked Ruma.

*It was pretty awful, after you left. They kept insulting each other until Severus punched him in his face. Sirius tried to do the same but landed his foot on his ribs. We intervened and they stopped.*Said Rosanne.

Severus looked at her neck where was a small round redness turning into a bruise.

*You let him do that mark in your neck?*Hissed Severus.

She brought a hand to her neck, then shook her head.

*I… he tried to have one last time with me. I told him to let me go, and he did… Sev, nothing happened.*Said Ruma softly.

*Well, I'm glad I never have to see my stupid brother ever again! Toying with both your hearts like that. That was really getting on my nerves.*Said Regulus.

Severus did not seem reassured anyway, but the train came to a stop, and it was time to leave. Ruma hugged Rosanne, then Regulus, before taking softly and briefly Severus's hand. They waited for their trunks outside. Ruma saw Orion Black coming their way. The Black heir nodded to his son, then looked at Ruma.

*Miss Vulken, would it be possible to exchange a few words with you?*Asked Orion.

*If you want it to be done privately, we were going to apparate to Vulken's castle. Do you still have access to our wards?*Inquired Ruma.

*No, I do not. I am certain Seth does not let a lot of wizards in his home. The question I have is not necessarily private. Would you be aware of a project he has concerning America?*Asked Orion.

Ruma blinked at Regulus's father. Did he mean the project Gellert had asked of her?

*Do you mean… the one with Grindelwald? If that's the case, I am afraid I have no say in this, Mr. Black.*Answered Ruma.

*So, it is true then.*Said Orion.

*Father, what is this about?*Inquired Regulus.

*Are you sure you are supposed to know about this, Mr. Black?*Asked Ruma with a frown.

*Maybe not. Have a nice summer, Miss Vulken, Mr. Snape, and Miss Yaxley, I hope to see you often in our home.*Said Orion, waving to his son to go with him.

When Orion and Regulus went away, Rosanne went to her mother after waving good-bye to them.

*Are you ready?*Asked Ruma as she looked at Severus and held his hand.

Severus sighed and nodded. They apparated away. As soon as they arrived at Vulken's castle, the walls and floor shook, and they almost fell down.

*What's going on?*Asked Severus, alarmed.

*I don't know!*Said Ruma who did fall down as the castle shook again.

Colpy apparated in front of them and bowed.

*Master Seth is dueling Lord Malfoy and Lord Yaxley in the mirror room, princess.*Said Colpy.

*NO WAY! That, I have to see!*Said Ruma with a giant smile and getting up quickly.*Come on, Sev! You have to see this!*Added Ruma excitedly.

She took his hand and ran to the mirror room below the castle. They could hear explosions and dust was slowly falling from the walls and ceiling as they went down. Ruma opened the door of the training room, and pulled Severus into the observation area, where it was protected against curses and spells of any sorts. The room was in complete darkness except for several balls of light moving around. Lucius kept doing the Protego charm whenever possible and tried to dodge Seth's curses. Apparently, Lucius seemed to have teamed up with Corban, and they could hear Seth's dark laugh echoing across the room.

Corban appeared in front of them, his back facing them. He cast a strong shield where a loud GONG was heard as he received a purple blast on it. They heard him swear loudly and roll away from another curse, burning the mattress where he stood seconds before. His clothes were burnt and torn in several places. Lucius apparated right beside Corban in the same shape as Corban. His blond hair clung to his face with sweat. Another dark laugh echoed in the room, followed by a loud growl.

*Oh no.*Muttered Corban. Lucius eyed Corban worryingly.*You better run, Lucy.*Added Corban with a grin.

*What?*Asked Lucius.

With an impressive and fast appearance in the small light that lay in front of them, a giant white wolf snapped his jaws an inch away from Lucius's face who fell backwards, not without letting out a yell of fear and surprise. Corban laughed, folded in half. The wolf sat and panted like a dog and looked like he was laughing too.

*Is that Seth?*Asked Severus, and Ruma hummed in answer.

She had never seen his Animagus form, and she only had admiration for him. Lucius recoiled back, then stood up without breaking eye contact with the wolf. Seth morphed back to his normal self. His clothes were tattered and cut in several places too. He even had been bleeding from his left shoulder. Corban had stopped laughing and was now licking his lips.

*Great duel, Lucius.*Said Seth, who now looked at Ruma and Severus.

Seth and Corban's eyes went black, taking a deep breath in unison as if they were smelling something delicious.

*Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to get away from you. That much magic spending needs…mmm, replenishing.*Said Seth softly before placing his hand on Corban and apparating away.

Ruma let out a soft exhale. Seth's presence and aura had been intoxicating. So much, if he had taken her blood, she would have gladly indulged. She looked at Severus and she was pretty sure he had felt the same, if he did not look so shocked. Lucius walked to them, still out of breath and heart racing.

*Did you… did you know?*Asked Lucius to Ruma.

*That his Animagus form was a wolf? Yes. That big? No. Do you… do you need help with your wounds, Mr. Malfoy?*Asked Ruma.

Lucius shook his head and waved his wand a little. His clothes mended themselves.

*I was… almost never able to see him. I never had the upper hand. Only Corban managed to hurt him.*Said Lucius.

*Why do you sound so surprised? Not only is he way older than you, but he is a vampire. If anything, he probably taught you one thing: it's that everyone else you will fight will seem slow and easy to defeat.*Said Ruma.

*Right.*Mumbled Lucius.

The deatheater made a curt bow to both of them, then left the room followed by Ruma and Severus.