An act of humanity and benevolence will at all times have more influence over the minds of men than violence and ferocity... and cities which no armies and no engines of war, nor any other efforts of human power, could conquer, have yielded to an act of humanity, benevolence, chastity, or generosity. -Nathaniel Vulken
The purpose Chapter 54 Departure
August 6th, 1975, 10:34am
Ruma stared at the potion in front of her, Severus by her side. Her grand-mother had passed away and it saddened her that she had not passed more time in her company. Seth had looked distraught enough and he had known her since he was born.
*You should not make a potion if your mind is not all there. It could be fatal, you know that.*Said Severus.
*Right. Of course, I'll… ugh, no, I'll read a bit. I'm almost done my summer homeworks.*Said Ruma as she turned and went to sit in a nearby sofa after taking her advanced ancient runes book from her schoolbag.
Runes came to her way easier than potion. No matter how she had tried to be at Severus's level in potion, she could not think like him, or see what he saw. She could not be perfect in everything, but runes moved in her head like water: fluid and constant. Perhaps that's how Severus could see his potions. They were always flawless, and he knew what to add or not to perfect it even more, just like she could with runes. They had started an experimentation on the blood replenishing potion a month ago by carving runes on ingredients that could hold that kind of magic on them, and they had successfully managed to brew it in half as the time it usually takes to make. Seth had been delighted for the supply it gave for his event. After an hour, she closed her book at the same time that Severus was done with his potion, but Seth also appeared at the door with Lucius beside him.
*Ruma, I need to speak with you, and Severus, Lucius wants to do the same with you.*Said Seth.
Ruma and Severus shared a look before nodding to Seth. Ruma followed Seth and Lucius went inside the room to speak with Severus as he was putting away the potion in flasks.
When Seth and Ruma were out in the garden, he stopped beside the weeping willow where you could see the fresh mounds of Danyck and Kathleen's graves, but now covered with blue and white flowers. The wind blew Seth's hair and Ruma thought he looked solemn.
*I'm leaving for New York, tomorrow. There seems to be a problem that requires my attention, but also, I want to continue the project Gellert started. My question is this: do you want to continue the last two years at Hogwarts or come with me tomorrow?*Asked Seth.
*What?*Asked Ruma, confused.*Now? But… I… Severus…*She mumbled, not knowing what to decide.
*I'm offering you a choice. Consider yourself lucky to even have one.*Said Seth dryly. He clicked his tongue and stared at the graves.*I am no longer expecting anything out of you, Ruma. I would… feel better should you choose to come with me, but I am not the one that will force you to stop your education.*Added Seth softly.
*Feel… better?*Repeated Ruma, a blush going on her cheeks.
She thought of Severus again, and how she could see him everyday at school still. She thought of what she wanted to do, and that was to become an expert in runes, where Gellert could teach her. She also wanted to have that satisfaction to just be the best at something, to prove she was not just a title, or something destined for. Seth was giving her that choice, the very thing she had desired ever since he had written to her in her first year. She looked at Seth who had been staring at the graves all the while she thought.
*I want to be a healer. But not just any kind of healer. I want to use runes and make something with my name other than being a vampire princess heir. No matter who wins or loses, someone will always need a healer. But… I…*Hesitated Ruma.
*Severus is going to receive the mark today.*Declared Seth without emotion.
Ruma froze, opening and closing her mouth. She looked around her, then towards the castle, thinking she could perhaps stop him. She made a step, but Seth grabbed her hand.
*Let me…*Began Ruma.
*He's already there. Lucius was here for him.*Said Seth as he let go of her wrist.
She looked at the ground, thinking rapidly, then looked at him with a hopeful glance.
*Can't you… do something? Sire him?*Asked Ruma with a hint of desperation.
Seth clicked his tongue and shook his head. He could understand her plea because of the feelings she had for Severus. Some sort of saving him from a fate she thought was condemning.
*You do know that is what Severus wanted, and I am not just going to tell Voldemort of all people to not do as he wishes or needs when this does not concern me.*Said Seth, slightly irritated.
*But it does me! I don't count for anything?*Said Ruma, flustered and her eyes swelling.
Seth only answered her with a serious look, then grabbed her chin with two fingers, making her wince.
*Ruma, you are the only one who can talk to me like you just did. I have asked you something you have yet to answer, and if by tomorrow you do not have one, I will leave without you.*Hissed Seth angrily before letting go of her chin harshly and walking away towards the castle.
OoOoO
A weird feeling of apprehension went through Severus as Lucius made him side-along apparate at Lestrange's manor. The dark Lord wanted to see him. Him. During the Christmas gathering, he had been completely enthralled by his presence and mesmerized by his words. He, too, disliked muggles. Having a muggle father that only drank and treated his mother like garbage sure did not help. Not that the man had given him his fare share of hits towards him. When his mother moved away, he swore that his father shall never touch her ever again, and when he became of age, he almost murdered him.
*You wish… you had taken his life?*Said a silky voice in front of him, almost inaudibly.
Severus snapped out of his reverie and went to his knees, not realising he had followed Lucius, completely lost in his thoughts.
*M-My Lord.*Mumbled Severus clumsily.
The words rolled pleasantly in his mouth, and a wave of magic went through him as Voldemort grabbed his jaw with two icy fingers. A shiver went through his spine as he looked into the red eyes of the man in front of him. The air was dense, and the Dark Lord was clearly not hiding his power.
*Yes… Severus, that is what I am.*Whispered the Dark Lord.*Lucius spoke highly of you. I heard you were going to be Horace Slughorn's potion apprentice.*Added Voldemort, softly letting go of his jaw, a finger brushing the skin before going away.
*Yes, my lord.*Answered Severus, feeling his heart thumping against his chest.
Voldemort took a few steps back, a faint smile on his lips.
*Good. What if I asked you… Severus, to be my informant at Hogwarts? Would you do it?*Asked Voldemort softly.
A spy.
Severus's thoughts reeled in his mind. His breathing became louder for a short moment.
*Of course… my Lord.*Said Severus.
The words had flowed out of his mouth, sealing his fate.
The Dark Lord smiled again, twisting his wand between his fingers. He approached Severus, then slightly bent his back, holding out a hand to him. Severus lifted his left arm where Voldemort grabbed his wrist, fingers curling around it. The white wand slowly pushed away his black sleeve then moved its tip on his forearm. Severus held his breath, time stopped.
Words were uttered by his master and a searing pain burned like fire on his arm as if he had dipped it in molten lava. A moan of agony escaped his lips, unable to repress it. A short moment passed, and Severus was now clutching his left arm with his right hand, panting to ease the pain.
*I already have some tasks for you, Severus.*Said the Dark Lord softly.
*Y-Yes, my Lord.*Answered Severus between two breaths.
Voldemort hummed in satisfaction and spoke to the other deatheaters that had been kneeling. Several 'Yes, my Lord.' later, and instructions to Severus for the potion supplies, they were dismissed.
OoOoO
23:45pm
Seth apparated to the Black's home, having received an owl from Orion Black asking to speak with him. He appeared in the hall, where this was the only place wizards could apparate in most wizarding home. A house-elf greeted him, shortly followed by Walburga Black who invited him to follow her to the lounge room. Upon entering, he saw Arcturus sipping on wine by an unlit fireplace and speaking with his son Orion while Regulus sat on a sofa, reading.
*Mr. Vulken is here, Lord Black.*Said Kreacher, bowing low.
*Yes, thank you, Kreacher.*Said Arcturus.
Regulus stood up then bowed curtly. He eyed his father, wondering if he should leave or not.
*You stay, Regulus. I want you to know what will be said here. You stay silent and sit back.*Said Orion dryly. Regulus sat back down, not reassured, and eyeing Seth wearily.*Wife, if you stay here, you better watch your mouth or I will shut it for you, am I being clear?*Asked Orion with a serious look.
Walburga pursed her lips and nodded before sitting beside her son.
*Would you take a seat, Mr. Vulken?*Asked Arcturus.
Seth's eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms.
*No. What is this about, exactly?*Asked Seth.
Orion cleared his throat and looked briefly at his father, then back to Seth.
*We heard you are leaving tomorrow, and I also have been informed of a project you are on in America, although that is the only things we know.*Said Orion hesitantly.
*And? You expect me to tell you what that project is? Why would I do that?*Asked Seth.
Arcturus took another sip of wine and took a step forward.
*From what Corban Yaxley had revealed to us… we are not so sure about Britain's future in the hands of… him.*Said Lord Black, clearing his throat.*I believe… if that what Corban said about you is true, that you are hiding your power, your true magical power.*Added Arcturus.
Seth raised an eyebrow. He always repressed his magical core wherever he went, not wanting for anyone to even suspect he ever had magical powers. He even went to hide his tail, now under disillusion, when he could. He thought about changing that once he went to America. The memory of Danyck's thoughts about his tail and how he hid himself came back to him, and he closed his eyes as his absence in his mind brought emotions he did not want to relive. His eyes opened and he stared at Orion.
*I do hide myself. No one would be ready to accept a vampire that has magical powers. But I am no longer the only one. I leave because my people need me, and my ambitions are no longer the same as Voldemort. He seeks power and control through violence and fear. I want what Grindelwald always wanted before Dumbledore stopped him.*Explained Seth.
Surprise and shock went on their faces.
*Why are you not stopping him yourself then?*Asked Arcturus.
Seth gave him a serious look. If by him, he meant Voldemort, then he just revealed his treacherous thoughts to him. That did not seem to pass unnoticed for Orion's head had jerked fast towards his father, but also Regulus and Walburga had done the same.
*I am old, Mr. Vulken. I see where the Dark Lord is going. I only want to make sure my family will be safe and that our choices are the right ones. You have seen laws and bills being passed in the Wizengamot and the focus we give to Pureblood supremacy. We are now aware of your statute, and how technically, you would be born of muggles, albeit vampires. And we, the Blacks, have been wondering, what if we are wrong? Are we allying ourselves with a madman that only wants power to the detriments of his followers and this society?*Said Arcturus.
Seth made a dark laugh, shaking his head before walking to the old wizard and caressing his cheek with a finger. Arcturus stiffened at the touch and dropped his empty glass on the floor which broke in several pieces.
*What makes you think I would be any better, hmm? That I would not kill you right now, all of you, because I could not care any less?*Hissed Seth.
Orion took out his wand from his pocket and pointed it shakily at Seth. Walburga and Regulus gasped in fear. The vampire King used his vampiric speed to go behind Orion, removing his wand by hitting his hand, which fell on the floor, then locking his arms with his and placing a hand on his mouth, bending his head, and exposing his neck.
*Seth, please. We want answers, not violence.*Pleaded Arcturus, his voice trembling.
*Answers?*Asked Seth before passing his tongue on Orion's neck.
Orion made muffled whines behind Seth's fingers. Walburga held her son's hand, both holding their breath.
*Yes! Why are you leaving? What is the project you are having with Grindelwald? We only want to side with someone who will change this society and make it better! *Asked Arcturus.
Seth took a deep breath, wondering at what point the Blacks could even be helpful to him. He let go of Orion, pushing him towards Arcturus, then gazed around the room and went to sit on a one-seat sofa, crossing his legs with steepled fingers. He let go of his magic, removing the restrains he always had kept unless he lost control of his emotions, like it partially had a few days ago. Orion fell to his knees, having no support around him while Arcturus held himself with a hand on the chimney's wall. Walburga and Regulus bowed their heads in submission.
*You wanted to know. Now you know.*Seth paused.*I have something personal going on with vampires back in New York and Miami. Apparently… there are muggle vampire slayers and seems to also be a different kind of vampire breed that are not even aware of the wizarding world, or by the same way, aware of any royalty. While I take care of this problem, Gellert and his old alliance, now vampires, will infiltrate the MACUSA again. Our project, is to use a little invention of his, named Triunes, to be implanted into the mouths of victims which gives them a constant imperius curse.*Said Seth before repressing again his magical core.
The Blacks regained composure and looked at each other.
*It's true… what Corban said… everything he said.*Mumbled Orion, picking up his wand from the floor.
*Whatever he said, my main goal is to protect vampires, then wizards.*Said Seth before standing up again.*The thing is, the slayers only showed what Gellert had tried to tell everyone. It may be nothing to the ministry's eyes, but eventually, muggles will find us, they will fear us, and they will attack us.*Said Seth darkly.
*NONSENSE! Muggles are inferior and powerless against us!*Said Walburga, believing to have found her voice despite her newfound fear of Seth.
Seth gave her a look that made her whimper and bow her head again.
*Madam Black, do you sometimes wander in the streets of London in the muggle world?*Asked Seth.
*N-No.*Answered Walburga, keeping her head down.
*Muggles… are everywhere. They outnumber us by six thousands to one. Tell me, Walburga, are you, by any chance, aware of their technologies? Or better yet, do you have any idea what Grindelwald wanted to do before Dumbledore stopped him?*Asked Seth, also looking at Orion and Arcturus.
*To be the supreme Mugwump, to break the statute of secrecy and govern the world as supreme leaders.*Said Regulus.
Seth raised an eyebrow and smiled.
*Someone listens in history of magic.*Said Seth.
*N-No… Ruma told me.*Answered Regulus.
Seth made a snort, then made his wand slither in his hand, making everyone stiffen.
*Obviously.*Said Seth before looking again at Orion.*Originally, Gellert's ambitions were the right thing to do, but he was stopped. Now, though, he won't, because we are doing a different approach, one that is subtle enough that no one will know what we are doing. I am placing the emphasis on no one, and that includes all of you right here, right now, unless you prove to me that your new ambition, is to follow me.*Hissed Seth, raising his wand.
*On my magic, I solemnly swear that I shall never repeat any words that has been spoken in this room, so mote it be.*Said Arcturus, without hesitation after he had taken his wand out.
The magic swirled in the room, binding Lord Black to his words. Orion took a deep breath, then did the same. With a scowl towards his wife, she reluctantly did the same. Regulus also hesitated, rubbing his left arm, then spoke the words. Seth frowned at what Regulus did. He walked towards him and grabbed his left wrist before sliding his sleeve up to his elbow. The dark mark was a deep black with the skin around it inflamed, indicating a recent marking. Seth clicked his tongue then let go of Regulus's arm.
*I want to come with you.*Said Orion.
Seth turned towards Orion and quirked his eyebrow.
*With me? You want to be surrounded by vampires, Orion? And, in unknown territory at that?*Asked Seth.
*Surrounded?... Surely… it can't be that bad?*Asked Orion hesitantly.
Seth smiled, then looked at Arcturus who really did not seem reassured by what his son had asked.
*I'm leaving at six in the evening, whatever any of you decide. I also grant access to my castle to any of the Black family for the day. Know that I am not going to stop Voldemort from what he is doing here, for he is my friend, and I have made a promise.*Muttered Seth who made a move towards the hall.
*Wait, Seth.*Said Arcturus. Seth stopped, turning his head slightly over his shoulder.*Did… d-did the Dark Lord make horcruxes?*Stuttered Lord Black.
Seth simply nodded once before apparating away, letting three out of the four Blacks confused.
OoOoO
August 7th, 1975, 17:35pm
Seth was looking out to the ocean, standing by the cliffside, with Corban by his side. Behind him stood Gellert and his childes, Darthael, Steven, Galea, his house-elf Colpy, a dozen muggle servants like Michael and Matthew amongst them.
*Who are we actually waiting for?*Asked Vinda impatiently.
Gellert shrugged and did not seem to care anyway. A light clearing of throat brought Seth's attention and he turned towards the source.
*Little bird.*Mumbled Gellert, moving out of the way.
*Are you coming with us, then, Ruma?*Asked Seth.
She grabbed her right arm with her left, then shook her head.
*No. I-I came to say good-bye.*Said Ruma, looking at her feet.
Seth pursed his lips, then took a deep breath.
*Have it your way, speak with Corban if you ever change your mind or decide to join me later.*Said Seth.
Ruma nodded frenetically. Another wizard walked towards them from the gardens. It was Orion, holding a bag on his shoulder.
*Mr. Black, you have decided to join us?*Asked Seth.
Heads turned towards him, and Orion thought he was really small in this moment.
*Indeed, I have.*Answered Orion, trying to keep composure.
Gellert laughed before approaching Orion.
*What is this? Bringing one of his follower with us?*Asked Gellert with a raised eyebrow.
*I don't bear his mark, Mr. Grindelwald.*Said Orion, lifting his chin.
The vampires snickered around him.
*Perhaps you could explain the hilarity, so that I can join you?*Asked Orion.
*It's rather childish, Mr. Black. They think you are weak to not have taken it because of what it represents even if vampires would never take his mark.*Explained Ruma.
*So, nothing to laugh for. Until yesterday, my perceptions have changed.*Said Orion.
Black eyed Seth from afar, then walked to him before bending a knee.
*What do you even think you are doing?*Said Corban.
Seth lifted his hand.
*Let him speak, I am curious what he is going to say.*Said Seth.
*I may not be a vampire, but I believe in you. I will gladly call you my King and serve you the best I can.*Said Orion.
Seth tilted his head.
*How curious, and unusual. You are the very first wizard, even if you count my heir…*He eyed Ruma who flinched under his stare.*…to even pledge yourself to me like that. You may rise, Orion.*Said Seth.
*The portkeys are activating in two minutes, please gather around one.*Said Corban.
The muggles gathered around with Colpy who was holding a book. Gellert and his childes also gathered around a book Gellert was holding. Seth turned towards Corban and grabbed him by his waist to kiss him passionately. Mixed reactions were heard around them.
*Two minutes is not enough to tell you how much I would miss you. Even if I can apparate long distances with my crown, it depletes my magical core way too much, just like creating those portkeys. I will come back for Christmas.*Thought Seth.
They parted reluctantly and Seth grabbed Orion's arm, Seth still looking at his lover as the portkeys began to activate.
*Ni mel cin.*Said Corban.
*An oiale a oiale.*Replied Seth with a tender smile.
On those last words, they all disappeared, taken by the portkeys. Corban looked at Ruma and shook his head.
*You chose the hard way, princess. I'll let you know that not only Severus has taken the mark, but also your friend Regulus. Although, I believe he regrets what he has done. Stay close to your friends, Ruma.*Said Corban.
Her eyes had widened, before she accepted the fact she could not do anything.
*I… I want to be with Severus. I want to be a healer. I have to finish school.*Said Ruma.
*Like Seth said, have it your way, but do not leave the castle unless you have to go back to school. I also suggest you apparate directly in Hogsmead when you do.*Said Corban.
*That bad?*Asked Ruma.
Corban nodded then went to her and caressed her face with his hand.
*Seth… and I… well, anyone that lives here actually, cares about you, and know you will do great things for us. Be careful, Ruma.*Said Corban.
*I understand. Will you have enough spare time to duel with me before I return to school?*Said Ruma with hopeful eyes.
Corban had a small laugh.
*Anytime.*Answered Corban.
Venthyr meaning
*Ni mel cin.*
*I love you.*
*An oiale a oiale.*
*For ever and ever.*
