"This is unacceptable!" an elder wizard stood, "We should have been notified of this situation long before now!"
"Calm yourself. What good would it have done?" a witch reprimanded from her seat on the opposite side of the room. "The aurors have done their job well and the Minister has kept us from needless hassle until our time was required."
"I agree," a second wizard to her right chimed in, "Regardless, this is not the time for argument. We need to decide what is to be done at present."
Harry and Ron had caught the Minister between meetings and upon hearing of their encounter with the vampire, decided to alter the next discussion from beginning the proceedings of Gerald's trial to bringing forth the choice given them of either releasing the prisoners in exchange for information...or declaring war.
The cabinet began as usual, with righteous indignation from some and sheer concern from others. Politicians were known to seek pushing their own agendas and adhering to strict stances irregardless of actual consequence as they often felt above others and therefore protected. The aurors were pleased to find that the current majority were agreeable. Much of which they were sure was to do with Shackelbolt's own intolerance of self-absorbed leaders.
"We cannot release a dark wizard simply because of a threat," the same haughty man as before huffed. "What are we that we should bow to the demands of terrorists?"
A murmur picked up. It was a valid point, yet outright ignoring the possible terrible and likely dangers of denying this truce was not wise.
"The Ministry has come to many agreements with criminals, both reformed and not, in favor of the greater good," another voice came, "We must not put our own pride before what is best for the largest portion of citizens both muggle and magical."
"I would like to hear the aurors' thoughts on the matter," a middle-aged witch put her attention on Harry and Ron, who had been quietly observing.
When the others in the room switched their gazes to the investigators as well, Harry stood to address them, "We cannot comment on Gerald Davis' exact state of mind or his intent. Nonetheless, since this case began, we've seen the kind of man Gerald is. He's easily provoked yet seems to keep his company few in order to counter his short temper. That being said, he has not, to our knowledge, in recent years, made a habit of abusing his power when not threatened.
"Ignoring his defenses against arrest, the only crime that has been made evident since his arrival in the UK has been the murder of Lucius Malfoy. Once more, it could be argued that this was in defense. The last spell cast from Lucius' wand was the killing curse and Ron and I are both witnesses to an altercation between the late Malfoy and Gerald Davis where Gerald's life was openly and directly threatened before he returned such aggression.
"During our most recent battle, he even refused offensive techniques until he was cornered," the auror did his best to explain the demon's behavior without revealing his nature. "My own brother-in-law, who was captured by the same creatures who coerced Gerald into joining them, has testified that it was Gerald who freed him in the first place.
"On the vampires' part," the auror paused to take quick breath, "They are a direct and imminent danger to both the Ministry and our community. We know of at least one wizard who was kidnapped and forced into servitude for nearly two hundred years. Aside from this, they have made attempts not only on my life and that of my partner and our family, but on others involved in this case.
"And we know very little about them. It is not just probable, it is definite that until we can understand their reach and their inner-workings, provoking them any further puts the livelihoods and the lives of the magical community at risk."
A still settled among the members of the Council as the auror's words registered.
"I take it then, that you are advising us to set the prisoners free?" the man, who had been against the idea from the start, asked critically.
"I'm only sharing what we have come to know," Harry answered, "But I would suggest that we look to ally ourselves with the vampire in custody."
"A trade of knowledge and agreement to refrain from battle for his release and that of Mr. Davis," Shackelbolt hummed from his podium. "Until we can concrete whether movement against the creatures is wise or settle upon an agreement that ensures the safety of the public against vampiric magic and feedings?"
Harry nodded, oddly remembering that Gerald hated being called mister.
"What says the council?" the Minister asked, scanning the room.
There was a slight murmur and turning of heads before hands began to rise into the air, in favor of the auror's suggestion. It was the indignant wizard who was last to agree...and not without a further argument. "And what is it will we demand to know before this release?"
"A contract, for certain?" a witch asked.
"I don't imagine they are eager to go to war either, as per their life in the shadows," the Minister mused, "I feel this is appropriate to ask. The vampire must agree with the unbreakable vow, his cooperation in assisting the aurors in learning about the species with exception to direct knowledge of their whereabouts."
Shackelbolt glanced around the room, receiving silent approval before looking back at the one disgruntled politician.
"What of this Gerald, then?" the wizard raised a brow. "What is to be expected of him?"
"His cooperation with the vampires in exchange for his release from Azkaban, of course," Shackelbolt said.
"What if he refuses, hm?" the man retorted, turning to Harry, "You said yourself that he didn't want to help them in the first place. And we don't even know what it is they want from him. How do we know-"
"He won't refuse," the auror interrupted confidently. Gerald needed the vampires' help and allowing the creatures and the Ministry to engage in war would do him no favors. "And that detail would be part of the contract."
The older wizard scrunched his face, reluctant to admit defeat. However, he finally sat, prompting the Minister to end the discussion, "It is decided then."
With a rap of his hammer, the group was dismissed. The aurors joined Shackelbolt in his office for a few brief moments of paperwork and instructions before setting out once again. Arthur Weaseley, Hermione Granger, and Saul Croaker were called upon for their assistance in setting the prisoners free, after the vow had been completed. All were Ministry employees familiar with the case and trusted by the aurors and the Ministry overall. It would do the situation well to have these extra wands.
The vampire was first to be approached, giving them the same unsettling greeting as earlier that day, leaving his guests to speak first.
"The Ministry has made a decision," Harry informed. "Make the unbreakable vow that you will teach us about your people and you and Gerald will be let free. Furthermore, we will not look for you or ask for information of your whereabouts. We will only act upon you or one of your kind if attacked or invaded."
The vampire stared for a moment before responding, "It is agreed."
Harry nodded to the guard that had accompanied the five of them. The witch answered by raising her wand and aiming it at the cell. Whispering an incantation, she removed the shields from the bars and then commanded them to slide away and let the prisoner out. She didn't lower her weapon, but rather kept it pointed at the vampire. In precaution, Arthur, Ron, and Hermione lifted theirs.
The vampire slowly stepped through the new opening in his cage, scanning the wizards before resting sights on Harry, and offering his arm, "Mihai," he said.
The lead auror nervously lifted his arm to match, "Is that your name?"
The creature gave a small nod, "Mihai Iliescu."
It was Saul Croaker who stepped forward to perform the binding contract. The spell drew slithering tendrils of energy from his wand which wrapped the vampire and the auror together as he spoke the agreed upon terms.
"I swear," Mihai's monotone sealed the magic.
"Well, I suppose it's time to gather your companion," the unspeakable spoke plainly, the only one not put off by the dark being's presence in the slightest.
"Right," Harry dropped his arm, stepping to the side and motioning for Mihai to walk alongside him.
The vampire did as was suggested and the others followed after the two, mostly out of insecurity of their current company. As they left the chamber and began through the corridors that would lead them to Gerald, Harry put his attention on the man walking beside him.
"Mihai...what is it exactly your clan wants from Gerald? We know you've offered him help with controlling his...temper," the auror stated in a way that both allowed the vampire to understand his meaning without revealing to the guard about the demon.
"You've almost confirmed the theory that wizards traded their magic to become what I am," Mihai didn't look at the auror nor did his expression change. "Let me do this for you. You see, something unbeknownst to most is that magic comes from the very essence of a person. Their soul, if you will. It is an ability to control this vital energy that sets muggles and magical folk apart.
"Giving this control for a different set of capabilities does not render an individual soulless, but it does corrupt that essence. Much like a horcrux. Gerald is...a rare gift. He was born of a creature that has not traveled our world in quite some time. Millenniums, in fact. It's what gives him his connection to the next life while still living this one. It is our fervent belief that he has the potential to heal our corruption so that when we finally meet our end, our transference to the beyond is uninterrupted...untainted."
"Would fixing this...corruption make you a wizard again? Take away your current powers?" the lead auror wondered.
"Not necessarily," the vampire hummed, "Healing a wound can still leave a scar. You're whole again, but not unchanged."
The group halted then, waiting for the guard to open the passage leading to the area where Gerald had been imprisoned. The aurors listened for a continued song yet nothing was heard. It gave them worry that something had happened but it was fleeting as they soon lay eyes on the necromancer, on the floor, arms bound, and his head hung. He didn't acknowledge their entrance until Mihai spoke.
"Efthymia, file. Tha pame spiti tora," the flat affect that had become characteristic of him seemed to lilt for the first time, however faintly.
Gerald lifted his head at the sound of the vampire's voice, his expression mildly confused yet uplifted, "Toso apla?"
Mihai's answer did not come verbally, but seemingly through a simple, knowing blink.
"It's rude to speak a language your company does not comprehend," Croaker spoke again and not in a jovial manner either.
The vampire twisted his neck to look at the unspeakable, who kept his gaze without falter. Whatever gave the old man such steel nerves, the aurors surely could benefit from. Even Arthur appeared to have trouble remaining steady.
"Gerald," Harry began, "You're being released with the promise you will uphold your agreement with the-" he caught himself, using a more ethically appropriate word choice, "With Mihai's clan. As well, you're expected to follow our law."
The demon's eyes flashed with an emotion that resembled rage or exasperation or perhaps both. At any rate, it felt momentarily that he was not going to agree. His eyes cut away from the auror, glancing at Mihai before returning...discontent but agreeable, "Very well."
The guard once more came forth, disarming the prison's shields and then slinging it open. She approached the dark wizard carefully, circling around to the other side of him. Training her wand at the enchanted metal binding his arms, she recited the same incantation, ordering the restraints to clink to the ground.
Gerald retrieved his arms, stretching them in front of him and bending his joints several times as he rose to his feet. The movements caused the Ministry workers to flinch, though they assumed he would not try to use any magic. To do so would only land him back from where he had just emerged.
When he looked up again, his eyes rested on the vampire and he took a pace toward the being who stared back at him. The sight was confusing to the others and the aurors tried to study the encounter. It was impossible to tell what either of the dark beings were thinking. The stance came off antagonistic and at the same time, seemed to breathe relief. It was Mihai who broke from it.
"Then we can leave now?" he presumed rather than asked as he turned from the demon and started strolling from the rest. "And we shall stay in contact."
Gerald looked back at the lead auror before stepping after the taller creature. It looked to Harry that he wanted to speak yet for whatever reason, voted against it. Just the same, Harry fought the urge to inquire anything of him. The wizards escorted the two to the double doors of Azkaban's single entrance and exit. As the massive doors gradually leaned away, sweeping open, the aurors were reminded that although the day was waning, night had not quite fallen.
"Wait! How-" Harry began, realizing that they had not planned this release according to the vampire's affliction.
However, as the sunlight poured through the opening entryway, a cloud of thick, black energy surrounded Gerald, who turned to the wizards with a slight grin as his dark energy enveloped both himself and his vampire companion. The demon could barely be seen grabbing Mihai's wrist before the two dissapparated, the fog wafting away when the creatures vanished.