The Purpose, rewritten, Chapter 3 The second year

January 6, 1938

Seth had ordered that they keep the wizard alive and healthy, with clean white clothes and three meals a day. He was his personal prisoner, his source of blood and had to be treated with care. Gerald Buttler was his name and was well known in the ministry and so a little notice ran in the paper mentioning his disappearance. His cell was now in the dungeons and was the closest to the door. There were about 20 cells in all, but no more were in use at the moment. Seth's parents had returned to a trip to America, hoping to settle various problems with this new law.

Back at Hogwarts, Seth felt more confident than ever, now being able to do any spell without worry. His teachers had seen the difference and thought he had practiced a lot during the holidays. He and Tom gave their house so many points that they were well ahead of the way to easily winning the house cup. Spring came and Seth was sitting by a tree by the lake, enjoying the smell of wet grass and clean air, and reading a second-grade charm book. His attention shifted to see Tom who wasn't walking too far. He looked angry and Seth could hear his heart beating fast. He closed his book and stood up, walking over to Tom. Tom hadn't heard Seth coming from behind and jumped when the prince put his hand on his shoulder. He looked at him angrily, then sighed.

"What?" asked Tom.

"I don't know, tell me." Seth replied.

Tom looked at his hands, then the castle, then back to Seth.

"I can't find my father's name anywhere, neither in any book nor in any magical place or story." Tom said sighing again. "It would just mean one thing and I just can't imagine it."

Seth looked down, tried to be empathetic to Tom, not knowing where he came from must have been hard for him. Not just hard, but Tom seemed obsessed with it. Seth knew his own heritage, but not yet the reason. Seth had read a few books on the history of magic and the schools and when he received his letter, he hadn't passed up the opportunity to read the history of Hogwarts and the founders.

"There may not be a Riddle in magical history, but there is a Marvolo Gaunt in the Slytherin line." Seth muttered, having stopped walking. "I've seen you write it a few times, your middle name." Tom looked at Seth intently and searched for lies. "I'm sure you can easily find books in the library, Tom, no need to look at me like that. I think you should at least feel some pride knowing that you would be heir to Slytherin House." Seth added, giving him a slight bow with a teasing smile.

No wonder Seth had felt something from Tom from the first day he'd looked at him. His gaze was lost in his thoughts where he imagined drinking Tom's blood.

"Seth?" Tom asked.

Seth brought his hands up to his face and shook his head, hoping his eyes hadn't turned black.

"I'm fine, sudden headache for no reason." The prince explained.

"It's not the first time, you should go see the healer." Tom said.

"Hn." Seth ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. "It's not hard to know if you're the heir." Seth continued, wanting to change the subject.

"Why?" Tom asked crossing his arms.

Seth could talk to animals with ease and snakes were one of them. He also knew that being Parseltongue was innate to the Slytherin line, but he attributed his skills among many others to his particular birth. He knew that Slytherin had nothing to do with his family, or so he believed. He promised himself to see the book of his ancestors as soon as he got back home, or ask his father.

"Do you know how to talk to snakes?" Seth asked. Tom looked at him with a frown. "Salazar Slytherin is one of the founders and it is quite obvious that he knew how to speak to snakes given his coat of arms. He talks about it in the book A History of Hogwarts anyway, in case you haven't finished it. Only his heirs know how to speak and understand it innately. I couldn't believe you haven't come across snakes in your life, hm?" Seth continued.

"I..." began Tom hesitantly.

Seth could see that he really was a Parseltongue and that his hesitation was nothing more than a lack of confidence. He also realized that Tom was only twelve and he still didn't know what kind of childhood he had, other than being in an orphanage when he wasn't at Hogwarts.

"Hey, I don't care, Tom. I was telling you that for you and it's a really pleasant language to hear.'' Seth winked and clicked his tongue before heading back to the castle.

He had hinted that he too knew the language and he wondered if Tom would be smart enough to guess it.

OoOoO

April 1st, 1938

Dumbledore watched the students do every silly thing possible during this day dedicated to the jokes of which even he fell victim of having a hat in the shape of a duck. He kept it to have a good laugh with the students. A small boy with very pale complexion and silvery white hair was reading a book on enchantments alongside Corban Yaxley who was playing chess with Ronan Nott.

He remembered reading a letter from Garrick Ollivander telling him that he had sold the first wand containing the feather of Fawkes, his phoenix, and that it had been assigned to Tom Riddle, the child who resided in a muggle orphanage. In that same letter, he also mentioned selling a wand containing a thestral hair and furthermore, Ollivander mentioned that the child recipient of that particular wand was a vampire.

Although he went by the name of the Vulken, Albus doubted this claim because he had observed Seth well and despite his special appearance, nothing, absolutely nothing, could indicate that he was a vampire. None of the teachers had noticed anything unusual, other than that he rarely acted like a… kid his own age. He excelled in his classes and showed unparalleled respect with them. Even the provocations of the other students did not seem to reach him.

"HEY VULKEN!" shouted a Gryffindor.

Seth looked up from his book when a bludger sped toward him. He raised his hand in front of him and the bludger plunged forcefully into his hand. Seth hadn't flinched, or even moved, and the bludger was trying somehow to get back to other opponents. The flight teacher, Edgard Hooch, shouted across the room, reprimanding the culprit who had wanted to harm a student.

"Wow! You are strong! Holding a bludger like that!'' Corban said beside him.

"That's impossible, do you have troll blood, Seth?" Nott asked.

Seth turned his hand and looked at the Bludger. Maybe he should have avoided it, but another student could have been hurt. Edgard was now at Seth's side, who had stood up, and asked him to hand him the bludger. Seth gave it to him and Edgard did a spell Seth didn't know and the bludger stopped moving.

"Glad nothing happened to you, Mr. Vulken. With reflexes like that, I'd see you as a Seeker for the Slytherin team, that's for sure." Edgard said.

"Thank you, sir, but no, I prefer thestrals I think." Seth answered without thinking.

Edgard blinked and looked sad.

''You see me sorry... that your talents are lost like this, but also because you know what thestrals are.'' Said Edgard, nodding.

Seth saw his mistake and tried to make up for it.

"Knowing and seeing are not the same thing. I meant a means of transportation other than brooms." Seth replied.

''I'm relieved, but your answers will always surprise me, Mr. Vulken. Have a nice day!'' Edgard replied.

"You too." Seth said.

Seth bit his cheek. He will end up attracting suspicion on him one day or another. Corban put his hand on his shoulder.

"Seth! Tell me you'll try Quidditch next year!" begged Corban.

"Did you see me on a broomstick?" Seth joked.

"In class, yes and everything is normal for someone who had never flown before." Corban said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Not really my thing, Corban." Seth replied.

Seth though about how fast he could run and see things in slow motion like the Bludger. He would be better in the dueling club, which he thought about joining next year.

OoOoO

June 1938

The end of the school year was approaching. All they had left were the exams and the home cup ceremony. The students were frantic, studying non-stop and staying late in the common rooms before going to bed, exhausted. A few were confident enough in their skills and had quite a good night's sleep. One evening, Seth saw Tom in front of the fireplace, lost in thought with a disgusted face. Seth went to sit like an Indian on the floor between Tom and the fireplace.

"Why that face, Tom?" Seth asked, not looking at him.

Tom frowned.

"School is over, that's what. I don't want to go back... there.'' Tom said.

"I see, I hope these two months pass quickly." Seth continued.

"Why would you want that?" Tom asked.

"My parents often go on business trips. I prefer to be here to learn magic too than be alone in a castle.'' Seth said.

They enjoyed the silence for a while and finally got up to go to bed. Slytherin had won the house cup with 350 points more than Ravenclaw. The colors of green were all over the dining room and laughter, cheers and commotion filled the rest of the day.

Eventually, all the students left school and said goodbye to their friends and teachers. Seth returned home again with Flamel and was greeted by his parents, Kathleen, and servants. With a flick of his wand, he removed the charms from his eyes and ears, and he removed his robes, sighing in relief.

"Finally, home." Seth said.

At mealtime, Seth kept talking about the year that had passed, his friends, the spells he had learned and done, and about Tom.

"I never confirmed it with him, but there's a good chance he's Salazar Slytherin's heir." Seth said.

''Really? I know Salazar already set foot here a long time ago.'' Nathaniel said.

"Father... do you know if Salazar had any human descendants here?" Seth asked.

"Salazar, no. His half-brother, yes. He was my great-great-great-grandfather, actually. Salazar disowned him because he loved a woman without magic and she fathered children without magic as well, but that didn't please his half-brother either. I believe his name was Shilo Slytherin, we have our ancestral book in the library if you're interested.'' Nathaniel said.

Seth realized that he was a Slytherin heir from another line and that being a parseltongue must be a magical trait, and since he was the only wizard in the family, that trait had been assigned to him.

"Why would Shilo have liked a woman without magic?" Seth asked.

Nathaniel smiled.

"Shilo must have been an extremely superficial man and he preferred to woo the most beautiful women on our island. He instilled this desire in his descendants, despite the fact that they were all without magic. I was not indifferent to that… my father kept telling me that there was nothing else important. Your mother's beauty isn't all she meant to me though, of course.'' Nathaniel said as he shook Elena's hand.

''Of course not. I believe what he decided was my dagger to his throat, right? Elena laughed.

Nathaniel laughed too and shook his head.

"It's been 500 years already and I wouldn't change a thing for kissing you that day." Nathaniel replied.

Five hundred years spent with the same person. Seth wondered if he would be able to love someone that long. A servant approached him and poured wine into a cup. On his hand was the ministry tattoo. Seth grabbed the servant's arm angrily.

"Mother, Father, I thought you said the ministry didn't intervene here! On a human on top of that!" Seth said.

He let go of the servant's arm, who apologized profusely, and was dismissed by Seth. Nathaniel and Elena looked at each other sadly and dejected.

"It's getting worse and worse in the world, for us." began the King. "We... have to leave tomorrow and we have no idea when we'll be back, Seth." He continued. Seth was suddenly very worried. "They came here… on our island with threats and Flamel had to remove wards to let them in… and they marked everyone in the castle. They don't know about the village yet. Flamel tried to help us, but the ministry wouldn't hear it, saying it had nothing to do with us. Until then, we try to do something before we lose what we've built for centuries.'' Said the king who emptied his cup and poured himself another. ''We're losing control of our species and that's why most of us, including your mother, are leaving to make treaties and new laws to… buy peace and try to exert control elsewhere.'' He said holding the queen's hand tightly.

"We were sometimes forced to drink animal blood when we were elsewhere, but this time we will bring servants. More and more vampires are being created by vampires not taking care of their childes resulting in Zeliths... We believe these Zeliths are creating more of them exponentially and entire cities are out of control. Wizard forces have intervened, and they are trying to exterminate them and then put obliviating charms on the humans. War begins to ripple through the human world for a second time, and it seems the vampires are taking advantage of this to portray the killings they cause as other weapons, such as guns. I can't let my people harm the relationship we have with wizards.'' Said the king gravely.

"We want to stop this, but the world is very big, and it could take years. If we do nothing, only the vampires on this island may remain and eventually disappear. We control a lot of the banks, which I'm sure is the only reason the ministry hasn't intervened so far, despite the markings…" the queen said.

Seth took the time to swallow the information. His fingernails had pierced his hands and blood was dripping onto the table from his clenched fists. He opened his hands in front of him, slowly watching the blood flow. Dark thoughts washed over him. He knew that his father thought like a true king, wanting to preserve the vampires as well as the relationship with the wizards, but the wizards had no right to mark them as animals and if he could, he would wage a war. He was not fit to do anything, and he promised himself to change things as soon as he could. He hoped that his parents would manage to find a solution. He got up and hit the table with his fists.

"ARRRGH!" he shouted, furious, his eyes black.

He stormed off, knocking his chair over and slamming the doors behind him.

"I don't think it went well." Elena said sadly.

Nathaniel shook his head negatively.

The servants rushed away from the furious prince, scared. Crimson lights flashed on the carpet beneath his feet as he made his way to the cells. The prison door opened as he approached, and a cry was heard from the prisoner. He approached the first cell and in a fit of anger the cell door swung open and threw the prisoner against the stone wall and he hit his head hard. Seth stepped forward; his wand pointed at the man. The man was barely conscious. Seth's heart was filled with rage and pounding in his temples.

''It's all your fault!'' Spat the prince.

Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. He had never bitten anyone in the neck before and one of the reasons was simply because of his physical size. He approached the now unconscious man, his heart beating against his chest. He knelt down and grabbed the man's hair with his left hand, tilting his head. He could see the jugular beating with a regular heartbeat on the skin. His urge to bite him grew and his teeth grew longer, sharp and deadly.

He moved closer, feeling his body shaking all over. His mouth rested on the neck and his teeth pierced the skin letting the blood flow into his throat already on fire. As he swallowed, he tightened his hold on the wizard, never letting go. It was hot, good, and powerful. The wizard's blood intoxicated him, feeling like he had taken alcohol and his head started spinning. His vampire side took over, wanting to take life. After a while, the man's heart stopped beating. Seth didn't stop until a single drop of blood was gone, long after the heart had stopped beating. He had killed for the first time, out of anger.

When he backed up, he threw up everything that was way too much for his stomach, splattering on the floor. In the dimness of the cell, Seth looked absolutely terrifying; eyes still black and blood pouring from his mouth and falling on his clothes. His mother had followed him and watched the whole scene. She was sad to see that his first time had gone like this. She walked over to him and hugged him tightly. Her embrace startled him at first before he burst into tears. He cradled himself in his mother's arms and fell asleep, the adrenaline having left his body.

OoOoO

June 25, 1938

Seth opened his eyes. He was in his bed with clean clothes. There was dead silence in the castle, he knew they were almost all gone. Only servants had remained for the upkeep of the castle. His feet took him outside the castle where he watched the sunrise. A flash came back to him, seeing this man who couldn't say a single word to defend himself. The absurd taste of blood in his mouth that still remained like an old memory haunting him. He thought about what he had done and that he would be left without a source of magical blood due to his impulsiveness.

As if his mind had been read, an owl swooped past him, dropping a letter into his hands.

My prince,

Although we understand your pain, I have left several vials of my blood for you to use when performing magic. We will try to find a solution in the meantime. May time bring the strength you need to get through these trials. - Nicholas

The owl flew away and Seth stared at it until he couldn't see it anymore.

These trials.

His parents had to make the decision to leave or stay for him. Was he just a child again? Although soon twenty-three years had passed since his birth, he still had tendencies to act like a child. How was he supposed to feel after killing a person?

He thought about what he could do for the next two months. He decided to run around the island every day, which could take around countless hours for a normal human. After a month, he could go in five. As school soon started, every time he ran, he felt like the birds had stopped in their tracks. He was sure his speed would come in handy one day as long as he kept training. These races had also allowed him to temporarily forget… what had happened.

He had spent his birthday with Kathleen, and he always appreciated her humor and the way she made him laugh every time they spent time together. He hadn't touched blood since the event, since he hadn't done any magic anyway, but at every meal when Kathleen ate next to him, he couldn't help but smell her perfume, see her heartbeat on her skin and hear the blood pulsing in her veins.

Should he let his instincts guide him? Let his legacy take over his life? Or should he learn to control himself like he was already trying to do?

Kathleen had noticed, and even asked him if he wanted her blood, which she had mentioned she would be honored to serve him that way, but he had refused, preferring to eat food and feel more human than he should.

"You should not deny who you are, my Prince. You will do yourself more harm than good. This man deserved…'' Began Kathleen, but Seth held up his hand and she trailed off.

"It's not about denying who I am, Kate." Seth said standing up. "I'm not an animal." He added, running a hand through his hair.

He had thought about the man again and how he had acted like a Zelith, one of those conscienceless vampires who thought only of killing and draining all creatures of their blood. He'd also thought of that mark the Ministry had placed on the hands of vampires…like animals.

"You are far from an animal! You have emotions like anyone else! You wanted to avenge your family!'' Kathleen said vigorously.

Seth shook his head and clicked his tongue.

"And what did it bring? Nothing, except deprive me of magical blood. I don't have to use Nicholas's anyway, if I discipline myself enough. I have to finish my education at Hogwarts and find a way to… to make vampires equals to wizards. Just like the goblins who so deserve their place in the wizarding world too!" Said Seth.

"You'll get there, I know that." Kathleen assured.

OoOoO

To return to London, he took the supply boat to Folkestone Harbour. He shrunk his suitcase and put it in his bottomless bag. He also ran all the way to London, then to the Leaky Cauldron.

Once on Diagon Alley, he paid for all his school accessories. He passed by Abraxas Malfoy with his father who seemed to look at the others as if they were common insects. The exchange was brief, not wanting to argue with a father like his anytime soon. He had even heard the inappropriate comment about his blood again.

He decided to take a room at the Leaky Cauldron to catch the train the next day.

On the train, he immediately felt Tom's energy and headed straight for the compartment he was in. Yaxley and Ronan were already with him. He was warmly welcomed, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Finally, glad to be back." Seth said, placing his suitcase in a storage above.

"How was your summer, Seth?" Yaxley asked.

''Painful and long, my parents had to go to work, and I was alone. '' replied the prince, sitting down next to Tom.

"Had the house for yourself, then?" Yaxley said.

Seth thought to tell them another half-truth.

"Something like that. I have… I have servants.'' Seth said.

Yaxley frowned.

"Nothing surprising there, house elves are pretty common, I have one too." Yaxley said.

"A house-elf? What is it?'' Asked Seth.

Nott and Yaxley exchanged a look. Tom looked as surprised as Seth.

"And you, what kind of servant are you talking about?" Ronan asked.

"Uh,… hu… muggles." Seth said.

Seth almost made the mistake of saying 'humans' which might have caused confusion, but his response wasn't ordinary according to their reaction either.

"Muggles? You're one of those rich half-bloods, aren't you? Well, I mean, is that why your mother married a muggle? She used a charm, do you think?'' Ronan asked with a laugh.

Seth sighed.

"And why not?" Tom asked proudly. "They deserved it, those muggles." He added dryly.

Seth raised his eyebrows at his comment. Corban and Ronan seemed to agree with him. He rolled his eyes and changed the subject. They discussed their summer although Tom didn't comment any further. The welcoming ceremony for the first years never changed and all houses greeted new students when they were called. Then came the feast and the beginning of classes the next day. The only notable event was a half-giant, named Rubeus Hagrid, in his first year (Gryffindor) where the headmaster had warned the students to be as welcoming as any student coming to Hogwarts which earned a soft laugh from Seth.

''A giant with magic, what can't we see anymore, ha!'' sneered a 7th year Slytherin.

Laughter erupted from the green table but was silenced by Professor Slughorn's gaze on his students. You could hear Hagrid muttering an apology as he tried to sit down at the Gryffindor table, which made the Slytherins laugh again. Seth and Tom just rolled their eyes at their comrades, which cut their laughter short.

OoOoO

Sept-Nov, 1938

Other than being top students and constantly awarding points to their house, nothing of note happened. Tom was almost never seen in the common rooms since he spent all his time in the library or questioning teachers. The latter fell under his spell and only praised him, which Seth was really happy about, not being the center of attention for once. Tom's charms also affected the other students, and a certain admiration grew. It was no surprise to see even older students going to him for advice on spells they were having difficulty with. Seth felt that Tom had found his identity, as his charisma and self-esteem had increased throughout the summer.

He knew now that he shared an ancestor of the same family as Tom, and he wondered how Tom would react if he knew. In November, Professor Galatea Merrythought of Defense Against the Dark Arts began teaching them about vampires. When she asked if any of the students knew anything about them, Seth felt several glances at him. He put the pen he had in his hands on his desk.

"Obviously you still think my last name is connected to them, don't you?" Seth asked as he looked at the professor.

Galatea shrugged.

"Are you able to answer the question, Mr. Vulken?" she asked.

A silence of a few seconds followed before Seth decided to answer.

"Vampires are people like you and me, devoid of magical powers, but still included in our world. There is controversy about them, just like goblins, who have their own abilities, but are still treated as inferior to wizards. Their diet is different from the normality and although exceptions are made, it is managed by Muggle servants on Vulken Island and blood is owled at the request of those residing off the island. Vampires can live for decades or even hundreds of years, although centenarians are rarer. The oldest known vampires go by the name of Nathaniel Vulken and his wife Elena Vulken who are in their five hundred years and are King and Queen.'' Seth said almost in a single breath.

Several students as well as the Professor had their mouths opened in surprise.

"I also know that none of what I just said is in your books, Professor." Seth continued. "Pale and charismatic beings…blood drinkers…dangerous and mindless…not to be approached under any pretexts that can be read in that book. But of course, no one told you that you all met William Vulken at Gringotts bank. Or that the Ministry of Magic has two vampire employees by the name of Brian and Vincent Vulken.'' added Seth in a more harsh and dry tone.

"Hey... how do you know all that?" Corban whispered.

Seth looked at him and blinked. His hands clenched in anger. He rose from his chair and picked up his books.

"I want to be excused from the course. I think I know vampires better than anyone, having been raised by Nathaniel and Elena Vulken.'' Seth said before leaving under the amazed look of everyone present in the class.

Another silence fell over the class and Galatea mumbled something and mentioned the headmaster as murmurs were heard among the students.

"Can you imagine? He's a Prince!"

"Who are his real parents then?"

"He looks so much like the description in the books, he's so handsome."

Girls giggled and the professor cleared his throat, wanting to resume his lesson which she was no longer sure of at all.

The next day, Seth knew the news had spread and fiery red letters came before him. Corban quickly told him what it was and what will happen when these letters are not opened within minutes of receiving them. Curious, he opened one and a booming voice amplified in the room.

"A BLOODY BEAST LIKE YOU SHOULD NOT EXIST! YOU ARE A DANGER TO…"

The letter didn't have time to scream the end of its message because Dumbledore had cast a spell, burning them all in a controlled fire. He was accompanied by Director Dippet. Laughter from the other tables was heard.

''Mr. Vulken, you don't have to go through this. Would you like to come with me to my office so we can talk?'' asked the Headmaster.

Seth looked at the scorched letters and cocked his head to the side.

"Discuss how I feel? Or discuss my parents?" Seth asked, looking at Albus, then Dippet.

"Undoubtedly for your well-being. You are not a danger to anyone, know that. My door remains open to you if you'd like to chat.'' Dippet said.

"I am perfectly at ease with my origins, Headmaster. It's just a name and I'm definitely not going to drink anyone's blood." Seth said as he turned to leave to the outside of the castle.

Seth dodged everyone, heading into the confines of the Forbidden Forest where the thestrals were. He knew that eventually the rumors would eventually fade like dust in the wind. He was, however, surprised to hear someone's heartbeat coming his way. He recognized Professor Dumbledore's scent.

"You see me saddened to see you like this, Mr. Vulken," said Albus.

Seth hadn't turned, stroking a thestral's muzzle.

''And why? Because I can see them? Because children are judgmental?'' Seth said.

"Children…you are one too. You're taking this news well enough for a child.'' Said Albus.

Seth stopped stroking the thestral and turned around.

"Maybe because I had to grow up faster than normal children. Which one of those you knew was destined to become king one day or make the choice to lose their magic to become a vampire?" Seth asked.

Dumbledore made a sorry face.

"Are those choices waiting for you?" asked Dumbledore.

"They are waiting for me, yes. Despite that...I still want to learn everything I can since I'm a wizard and if I can change the way vampires are treated or seen by others, I would have accomplished for what I was born for. Do you know what the Ministry of Magic did to my family?" Seth asked.

Dumbledore nodded and closed his eyes briefly.

"You're talking about the mark, aren't you?" said Albus.

"But of course, you know. You are the supreme wizard of the Wizengamot!'' said Seth dryly.

"Although I know about it, it wasn't me who decided that..." began Dumbledore.

"Vincent, who works in the ministry, had, for the first time in decades, to be branded by his own co-workers in a violent way! EVEN THOUGH HE NEVER HURT ANYBODY!'' Seth shouted. "And what about William, Brian… who have always been in the service of wizards… treated like animals. My parents are traveling with the Flamels right now hoping they can change all that, but I doubt they'll even be able to." Seth added.

"The Flamels?" asked Dumbledore, frowning. "Do you know Nicholas?"

Seth chuckled.

"I said it though. The wizards we've known for a long time... who else, open-minded with longevity, could know about vampires?" Seth said.

''Of course...'' replied Albus, lost in thought.

Seth sighed and apologized, starting to walk towards the castle, but Albus called out to him.

''Mr. Vulken? You...were you adopted?'' asked Albus.

"Somewhat... if I look like my parents, it's because of a blood ritual, professor." Seth lied before continuing.

Dumbledore put a hand to his chin, thinking about what he had just learned. He promised himself to send an owl to his old friend.

OoOoO

December 1938

Christmas was already approaching, and snow covered the castle and the trees. As he had thought, the comments about him had faded over time. Seth was petting a unicorn in the clearing in the forest, near the sparkling little lake where he always went. He looked up at the night sky, the snowflakes slowly falling on his face. He thought of his parents and hoped they were well. He returned to the castle before sunrise, placing the spells back on his ears and eyes. He sneaked to his dorm but before he could get to his bed, he froze. Tom stared at him.

"I had to go to the bathroom!" explained Seth.

Tom's eyes narrowed.

"Liar, you haven't been here for over an hour. And not just today…I tried to follow you, but you disappeared every time.'' Tom said.

"So what, I love going out at night, it's as simple as that. At night, the view is beautiful with the moonlight." Said Seth with a sigh.

Tom couldn't detect a lie and scoffed.

''The Moonlight. Of course.'' Tom said.

Seth had told part of the truth because it was mainly to be free to move.

Seth had stayed at school over the holidays since no one was home, so he was at the Christmas party with the teachers and a few students, including Tom and Yaxley. Ronan had left with his family.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" said the director happily.

"Merry Christmas!" Said the other teachers in unison.

Seth had his usual fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Slughorn waved at Seth with his mug.

''Mr. Vulken, you joined us for Christmas this year, how is your family?" asked the professor.

Seth took time to swallow before answering.

"My...parents left for work, so they couldn't be home." Seth said.

Slughorn shook his head.

"Sorry to hear that. Do you know where they went?'' he asked.

No, he didn't know where they were.

"Not really, but I know they had to go to New York and possibly Moscow." Seth said thoughtfully.

"It's a long way to go. Do they use portkeys?'' asked Slughorn.

"They are regulated by the ministry, and I don't believe they are allowed to use more than one. The travel isn't the problem.'' Seth replied as he twirled his spoon in his potatoes.

''I see. How come they adopted you?" Slughorn asked.

"Because I was born on their island and because I'm a wizard." Seth said.

"And what about your real parents?" Slughorn asked before drinking from his cup of wine.

Faced with this question, Seth got up apologetically and left the room.

"Perhaps this is too sensitive a subject." Dumbledore replied.

"No, really." Tom muttered without anyone hearing.

OoOoO

Spring had arrived and the air was definitely warmer. One night, Seth got up as usual to leave and as he muttered the password to exit the common room, he felt Tom's presence behind him.

"Let me come with you." Tom said.

It was not a question. Seth nodded and Tom followed, but Seth knew he could sneak through the shadows, but Tom was sure to be seen by teachers, cats, or the janitor on patrol. After a long hallway, Seth stopped, the janitor was coming. He wondered if he would be able to project his abilities onto Tom. Disillusion spells were easily detected by patrollers.

"Take my hand, Tom." Whispered the prince.

Tom didn't hesitate and took Seth's left hand. Seth closed his eyes and poured out his power on Tom. It had worked since the janitor had passed by with his lantern, unaware of the surroundings. Seth continued slowly until they were outside near the gardens and herbalism classes. Seth let go of Tom's hand and walked past the Forbidden Forest. He stopped and looked at Tom who looked suspicious.

"How did you do that?" Tom asked. "It looked like wandless magic...I felt it."

"I don't know, it's the first time I've done this, Tom. Usually, I'm alone. You know I was telling a half truth the other day.'' Seth said.

Tom nodded.

"I go to the Forbidden Forest every night. It's a whole other world out there. I don't doubt your skills, but you are (…)" Seth began, going to say 'young' without thinking that, technically, he would be 12, even though he was actually 23 and Tom was 13.

He also realized that he wouldn't be able to remove the transfiguration spells on him that night and he sighed. Tom looks at him oddly.

''Young? You got something I might not have, Seth?' Tom said venomously.

"Uh, okay. There are centaurs and unicorns, mostly, in there. I don't approach centaurs; it's no use and they'd probably tell the teachers anyway. Unicorns are magical beings that I love interacting with and...talk to.'' Seth said.

"Ha, unicorns! You go to the forest to talk to unicorns, Vulken! Ahahaha!'' said Tom, laughing.

By this time, Tom was doubled over. It made Seth smile to see his friend laugh like that. He was sure he wouldn't see this often. He felt a strange magical aura around Tom, as if his emotions were in conflict with himself.

"Well, unicorns… there are also thestrals, you know. Or, maybe you don't care, these creatures are really interesting, though I'm not sure you've read the Care of Magical Creatures book yet?'' Seth asked as they walked in the forest. "Look, there's one right there." Seth said pointing between some trees.

"No, I can't see them, and I haven't read this book yet, and I don't really care about creatures." said Tom with disgust.

Seth shook his head. Tom's words had hurt him more than he thought. Wasn't he a creature, without Tom knowing?

"Thestrals can only be seen by people who have seen…death. They're like horses, albeit smarter and they can fly and take you wherever you want." Seth said and Tom simply nodded in knowledge.

"Death... I take it you've seen someone die before?" Tom asked with a look of sudden interest.

Seth stopped short and looked serious. He had seen quite a few people die at the hands of his parents or servants breathe their last, but then a flash of memory of his teeth sinking into a wizard came back to him. He looked away from Tom as he felt his eyes turn black at the thought. He quickly took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Yeah." Seth replied, not wanting to elaborate.

They continued walking to the pristine glade where Seth always went. Even if Tom didn't seem interested, he was fascinated by the magic present in this place.

"I love this place, there's magic everywhere here and I always feel better after I'm gone." Seth explained.

Tom bent down to touch the water with his hand. The water ran between his fingers and left his skin sparkling for a few moments.

"I love magic." Tom muttered.

"We should go home; the sun is coming up soon and you're walking awfully slow." Seth joked.

Tom snorted and followed Seth. They were back in bed just before sunrise and the next night Tom never followed Seth again, his curiosity had been satisfied, much to Seth's relief. The rest of the year passed without incident and once again they had to leave. On the train, all the way back, Seth could feel Tom's anger. He had heard Tom ask the headmaster if he could have stayed at Hogwarts who had replied in the negative. Seth was in no better mood because he hadn't heard from his parents all year.