The Purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 7 The orb
November 16, 1940
The return to school was not easy. Seth had a temper that was hard to control. He had spoken at length with Flamel, and they had decided to try to resolve this legally. Let the ministry see their monumental error in the face of a nation that does not deserve this fate. Patience was now required, and it was necessary to wait for the Wizengamot sessions to defend their point of view. Seth therefore sought to contact the members of the Wizengamot and make them allies and, perhaps, have to promise them alliance opportunities.
But Seth didn't want to wait years and if the threats proved necessary, he would. After all, there were no two like him. He hadn't struggled to read hundreds of books and practice every spell he could to not use them. He already knew how to use the unforgivable spells, except for the death one. Gellert, though unaware of events, was still teaching him magic in exchange for greater freedom. Indeed, he had access to the rest of the castle, on the condition of wearing the magic suppressor rings: two on the wrists, and one on the neck.
Elizabeth had had an idea. Let servants donate blood now without contact. Although servants were confused, they did so without flinching. A cargo of various animals such as rabbits, poultry, and cattle were brought to the island, thus providing more work for the servants who did not complain since their population had grown and there had been a lack of work.
One night, after Seth had sunk his fangs into a hare, thereby releasing its venom, he subsequently ascended the tallest astronomy tower and stood on the railing, staring up at the starry sky. He was lost in thought, wondering how to acquire the list of names of all Wizengamot members. He knew the Malfoys were part of it and he thought about approaching Abraxas to go to the manor for Christmas. He didn't notice the heartbeat that was behind him.
"Well, here is one who is not afraid of heights. Not surprising with a gifted Quidditch player like you." Said Dumbledore.
Seth had jumped, startled, but managed to hold himself together. He quickly climbed over the railing and descended before scratching his head.
"Sorry Professor. I can't sleep." Seth said, hoping not to cost Slytherin points.
Dumbledore walked over to the railing and leaned his forearms on it before looking up at the sky.
"It's a very beautiful night to think. I imagine you have a lot on your mind.' said Dumbledore.
Seth realized something.
''Yes. Come to think of it, you were named the Supreme Mugwump after Grindelwald was defeated, right?'" Seth said.
Dumbledore was silent for a moment.
"There is already a meeting scheduled for February 24 next year, Mr. Vulken. If, of course, you wanted to know if there was anything I could do about... the orb. Our mutual friend, Nicholas, did not fail to let me know as soon as he could. Vampires are truly people close to his heart." Dumbledore said.
"Not as much as me, it's my family! What Director Wood did was unforgivable! My dad fought alongside Aurors for three years chasing down Zeliths only to get chained up because wizards feared vampires!" Seth said irritably.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, I also care about the fate of all beings that inhabit this planet, Mr. Vulken. I fully understand your desire to free your family. Although I am on your side, I will have to convince the members of the Wizengamot and very few care about vampires, just like the werewolves, elves and others who coexist with us.'' said Dumbledore.
Seth took a deep breath through his nose. Dumbledore was right and it will be a very long time before the situation is resolved. He will have to put the members of the Wizengamot in his pocket. He will make them understand that vampires are indispensable in their society and that in any case, they are far superior to them in their own way! Being a vampire himself and endowed of magical powers, he reserves the right to rule. But to reach this goal, a long road awaited him.
"Vampires can live for hundreds of years. If nothing is done from the Ministry, I will, Professor." Seth assured before walking past Dumbledore and heading up the stairs.
"Ten points off Slytherin for being out of curfew, Mr. Vulken." Dumbledore muttered.
Seth paused on the stairs for a second, groaned, and continued on his way.
OoOoO
December 22, 1940
"You mentioned to me that Abraxas was coming with friends for Christmas?" asked Septimus Malfoy, Abraxas's grandfather.
Armand took the last sip of his Brandy and put his glass on the small table next to him and the glass vanished.
"Yes, a certain Tom Riddle and Seth Vulken, that vampire prince he told us about a few years ago." Said Armand, Abraxas's father.
''Oh yes. It's been four months since the vampires have been controlled by the ministry. Not so good for business…there has been a significant drop in our investments. Goblins are very supportive of vampires. Maybe we should talk to this young man. There's a session of the Wizengamot in February regarding… the orb.'' Septimus said thoughtfully. "Did you find out who his biological parents were? My sources didn't find anything."
Armand shook his head negatively and snapped his fingers for another drink, which the house-elf promptly served.
"We can only assume that he is a half-blood. I don't think Slytherin house would accept anything less than that, but the identity of his biological parents intrigues me." Armand said.
A sound of glass breaking was heard. They turned their heads towards the sound and saw the house-elf who hurriedly repaired the glass and cleaned up the spilled contents with a snap of his fingers.
''That stunted old elf… Did you look for another one like I asked you to?'' said Septimus.
"Obviously father." Armand answered before looking at the old clock. "Abraxas should be about to arrive." He added before standing up.
Sure enough, the hearth glowed green for a moment and Abraxas appeared in the flames. He was followed by a dark-haired young man who was probably Tom Riddle, then another silver-haired man who could not be other than Seth Vulken. Armand greeted his son, then made a brief bow to the two visitors.
"I welcome you to the Malfoy home. I'm Armand and…'' began Armand before waving his hand towards his father. "My father, Septimus, Lord Malfoy. There is no greater honor to receive the Prince Vulken. Can we put you at ease by offering you a drink? '' Added Armand in a honeyed voice.
Armand had almost ignored Tom before offering him something after Seth refused. He showed them around the mansion and when they passed by a bedroom, Seth heard a heart beating slowly and he could smell a peculiar smell of a flower.
"My mother is dying, unfortunately, and can't join us." Armand said before prompting them to continue further.
Seth thought the mansion was lavish. Magic was imbued in the walls making the mansion almost come alive in his eyes.
"Your home is beautiful." Seth said, which made Armand smile.
"It's as old as Hogwarts and its people purer than any family." Mentioned Armand proudly.
Seth suppressed a mocking snort but sensed that Tom was intrigued by the manor's story. Armand continued to talk enthusiastically about its story. They had arrived in the large dining room where Septimus was seated at the end of the table and Abraxas in the middle. Abraxas was straight as a pike and remained silent. Seth suspected that Abraxas was very submissive to the authority of the fatherly Malfoys and that he was taking advantage of their absence from school, not failing anyone to show his false confidence and inherited arrogance no doubt.
There was a chandelier filled with diamonds and gems above the table that could light up the entire room. Bottles of wine floated around, filling cups automatically when empty. Flying violins were playing music in a corner. Seth thought the atmosphere was eerily like home and that Lazarus would be delighted to know the Malfoys.
''Mr. Malfoy, do you know why your investments have dropped drastically lately?" Seth asked as he took a seat across from Abraxas.
He thought he would pique their curiosity about his knowledge. Indeed, Brian Vulken, who had worked at the Ministry for over a hundred years, took care of the finances of the Ministry and worked in collaboration with William, who worked at Gringotts with the goblins. Septimus raised his eyebrows.
"And... a young man of 14 has knowledge of the finances of wizarding families?" said Septimus.
Seth smiled knowingly and picked up a glass of wine that was floating beside him and took a sip. He licked his lips before answering.
"You know for a fact that I'm not just anyone." Seth assured him, now turning his cup with the tip of his fingers on the table. "The enslavement, or containment, of vampires isn't just about them, which the Ministry hadn't figured out."
''The containment?'' asked Abraxas curiously.
Armand had taken his place at the other end of the table and Tom, two chairs further alongside Seth. Armand gave his son a disapproving look before looking at Seth again.
"What do you mean?" asked Armand.
Seth clicked his tongue lightly.
"Brian, a vampire who has worked in the ministry for over a hundred years, takes care of the finances. Not just that, but also the investments of…all wizards considered rich.'' Seth said, pausing. Armand and Septimus frowned. ''Since this orb not only prevents the vampires from being able to feed themselves as they wish, but they are now not only vulnerable to the hum... the muggles who cohabit on the island, but also at the mercy of all wizards and thereby, to the magical world we're supposed to be a fair part of.'' spat Seth hatefully.
"How should vampires be...fair to wizards, after all?" Septimus asked, squinting at Seth's change in tone. "Aren't they a threat creating all these…ah, Zeliths?"
Seth took a deep breath before speaking again.
"For your first question, vampires have attributes beneficial to the magical world. Moreover, just by their longevity and their intelligence, sometimes clearly superior, they bring skills in several areas, including finances, to the ministry and moreover, the wealth of magical families, including yours, Lord Malfoy. They've worked with goblins for hundreds of years and even they have qualities and skills that wizards don't have.'' Seth explained in a neutral tone. ''For your second question, they are not so much a threat to society, as on the contrary by controlling them in a vicious way humans are more at risk of seeing Zeliths again, which my parents hunted during the last few years with aurors who have only been waiting for the right moment before turning against them!'' Seth said with a disgusted look.
Septimus rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"So, I see the reason why you came with Abraxas. It was none other than to bring you my family's favor for the Wizengamot session, wasn't it?' said Septimus.
Seth twirled his tongue and clenched his teeth. Tom cocked his head to the left side.
"It would be better." Tom said. Attention turned to him. "What do you have to lose… if I may say so, Lord Malfoy." Tom stood up and smirked. "An alliance with the vampires would only be profiteering... not only will your investments be better, but having allies like them would be quite an asset."
"And, what assets, exactly?" Septimus asked.
Tom grinned imperceptibly.
"Power, of course. Seth's parents are none other than Nathaniel and Elena Vulken, vampires over five hundred years old with infinite knowledge and allies across the globe. What more could you want than to have Seth… the prince, as a friend.'' Said Tom in his honeyed voice.
Tom sat back and let the Malfoys think. Seth knew that their only hesitation stemmed from the fact that so-called pureblood families liked control and dominance over everything possible. They loved power and lust like never before. He therefore had to offer something even more than monetary. Seth began to think about what Septimus was going through. He was going to lose his wife soon, maybe even before Christmas from what he had felt. For several years, he must not have felt any physical pleasure other than by the lusts he could afford.
'That's it… pleasure, isn't it?'
The memory of Lazarus' voice echoed in his head. Pleasure…
He had this power.
The evening continued and the discussions now revolved around Abraxas and what he had learned. Later, Seth also learned that Armand's wife was Vinda Rosier, a woman who had simply given birth to Abraxas before fleeing to Grindelwald and idolizing him. She was not heard from again since the defeat of Grindelwald.
Tom had managed to make himself interesting, as he knew how to do so well: to charm others. He showed interest in the artifacts he had observed during their visit to the mansion, and it made Armand happy to talk about them. Seth then found himself alone with Septimus in one of the living rooms. He had taken some pleasure in watching Septimus drink alcohol to excess, probably to try to assuage the pain of the imminent loss of his wife, since their conversation had gradually turned around this subject.
"Lord Malfoy." Seth said quietly.
Septimus' tired eyes fixed on Seth.
"Hmm?" he said, finishing his drink for the fifth time.
Seth got up and walked quietly towards him. The anticipation of drinking the blood of a powerful wizard excited him and made his heartbeat faster.
"I can offer you something in return for your…loyalty to me." Seth hissed, stepping over Septimus' legs.
"I may be drunk, Mr. Vulken, but I don't touch children." Septimus said firmly.
Seth placed a finger to Septimus' lips.
"Do you really think I'm still a kid after this fruitful day in information?" Seth said bringing his mouth closer to his ear. "Or even...that I'm...human?"
Seth felt Septimus stiffen beneath him.
"You... you can't... you are not... the orb..." stammered Septimus.
Septimus' heart was pounding, and Seth closed his eyes briefly, listening to this natural music of the human body. Seth ran the fingers of his left hand through Lord Malfoy's silver hair and tugged lightly on it, showing the bare neck where veins were begging to be pierced.
''Far from wanting to hurt you, Septimusss.'' Seth said, mentioning the father's name in Parseltongue.
The old man shivered when he heard the snake's tongue or was it because he was now running his tongue down his neck, he didn't know it, but when the hot blood entered his mouth and slid down his throat, a torrent of magic filled his body until it brought sensations of electricity through his fingertips.
The empty glass of liquor that Septimus held in his hand fell to the ground and shattered. Now free, his hands went around Seth as throaty sounds mixed with moans of pleasure erupted from his mouth. Seth was ecstatic and he wasn't the only one. His right hand held the couch firmly behind Septimus' head and his sharp fingernails pierced the embroidered fabric.
The house-elf had appeared near the couch.
"The master is… in danger?" squealed the elf.
"Ugh… n… NO! Disappear!'' ordered Septimus and the elf vanished.
Septimus obviously liked what he was doing to him, and Seth tangled his fingers in Malfoy's hair, and tightened his grip on his neck before pouring even more venom into his body.
"Merlin! Ah!'' moaned Septimus.
Seth felt Septimus tense and heard his heart beating uncontrollably, before dropping drastically and Septimus' hold on Seth loosened. After a short while, Seth pulled his fangs out and ran his tongue over the wound which closed after a few seconds.
Seth pulled back, breathing quickly, and tried to control himself. If he had wanted to cast the most complicated spell he knew, he knew he would succeed in that moment. Septimus watched him with wide eyes as Seth brushed the back of his hand over his mouth, wiping away the blood that had leaked out of his mouth. His eyes turned from black to icy blue and a smile clung to his lips.
"Do I have the support of the Malfoy family?" Seth asked before running his tongue over his teeth.
"You... you have it." Septimus muttered.
OoOoO
February 24, 1941, Court tribunal of the Ministry of Magic
Seth accompanied his parents to court. The fifty members of the Wizengamot were all present, as well as Dumbledore since he was the leader. William, Vincent, and Brian sat in the stands alongside the goblin director of Gringotts. Lazarus entered with Seth and his parents, but soon had to go sit with the other vampires. What surprised Seth was to see François, the French vampire from Paris, who worked for him at the French Ministry of Magic. He sat next to Darthael and Sanguini. Decidedly, this concerned much more than Brittany. He should have expected it… after all, his parents had been traveling the world with the Flamels for the past few years.
Seth looked at the proud-looking Lord Malfoy with Armand at his side. Septimus had assured him of the alliance of several families following his visit to the mansion. Of course, the Malfoys had invited, as usual, many people to celebrate Christmas, and Seth had taken the opportunity to make their official meeting. Tom had been a great help to him, having an easier time with speeches and fine words. He knew exactly what words to say, just as Seth soon saw that Septimus had had that ability too.
It was therefore with semi-confidence that he hoped to emerge from this tribunal triumphant and free the vampires from this odious mark. The Minister's mallet thumped the block three times and startled him.
''Session of the Wizengamot, February 24, 1941. Subject: the orb of peace of non-magical creatures...'' began the minister, who by the way, was named Leonard Spencer-Moon.
Seth couldn't believe what they had named the orb. The minister continued to present the session with a witch who wrote down everything he said.
"Why is there a Hogwarts student here?" Leonard asked suddenly looking at Seth.
"He is my son, Prince Vulken. It is he who will take my place when ready. Everything about us is about him too.'' Nathaniel said.
The minister turned to Director Wood and whispered something to him, but what he didn't know was that vampires could…hear everything.
'These vampires have a wizard as a son? Did you know? It will create a scandal.'
'No! I didn't know and Hogwarts is not our department, it's the board's.'
'Who's in charge… oh, it's Amanda Perkins. Why didn't she…'
'She is under no obligation to warn us of anything, Minister.'
'Ugh, fine.'
Seth looked at Vincent who had a mischievous smile and he wondered why. The minister cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the king.
"Well, your… son can attend this session, but must go to the stands. He has no right to speak for you, as it could confuse the rights of non-magical beings and the ministry." Leonard said.
Seth shook his head negatively before going to sit next to Vincent while the minister prepared documents in order to ask questions.
"Why that smile, Vincent?" Seth whispered.
Vincent rubbed the mark that was on the back of his right hand with one of his fingers.
"Amanda Perkins. She's my girlfriend. Let's just say she didn't appreciate what happened to all of us, my Prince." Vincent replied in the same tone. "And what's bad for us is bad for the ministry too, if you know what I mean. I've worked with her in the legislative department for years." Vincent continued.
"Brian works in the finance department as well. We've got a better chance than I thought then." Seth muttered.
"Exactly." Said Vincent before looking up where dozens of dementors, those cloaked beings who sucked air and all possible happiness, floated above the room.
For some reason they didn't know, dementors couldn't affect vampires. However, Seth felt them and heard them speak in a language that sounded like Venthyr. He felt as if the dementors were choosing not to affect him, though normally their mere proximity affected anyone. He wondered if wizards were aware that Dementors had no effect on them, although the presence of Patronus could mislead them.
The Minister had questioned Nathaniel about his identity and that of the other vampires, as well as their ages and their functions within the Ministry.
"Nicholas and Perenelle Flamels are highly recognized wizards in the magical community. Why have you known each other for so long and what have they given you?'' Asked Wood, the director of international security.
"The way we met is none of your business. However, due to their longevity and desire to contribute positively to our nation, the Flamels have helped us reintegrate into the magical world. It's thanks to them that the humans who live on our island are treated better." Nathaniel began.
"Humans?" Leonard asked, frowning. "Don't tell me you have muggles on your…island?" What about the revelation of our world? It is unthinkable! Who allowed you to do this?'
"We don't live in Britain, Mr. Minister. We've been on our island for more than one thousand five hundred years, otherwise called the Isle of Mann by those… muggles, once. It is no longer mapped, and many enchantments have been placed by the Flamels to, precisely, protect your world.'' Nathaniel assured.
The Minister rummaged through other documents and then quickly read their contents before sighing.
"Let's get to the point. The orb had been created in order to protect the population from the bloodthirsty vampires who terrorize muggles throughout the world. Felipe and Daniel gave us their reports and they, as much as we, concluded that it was essential to intervene in a magical way.'' Said the ministry while staring at the king. "Tell me, it's been... six months since you had this mark. The population is doing well, you are doing well, why should we remove this protection, hm?''
Seth was furious and he wasn't the only one. He saw his father holding back from exploding and he knew that if it hadn't been for that mark on his hand, the room would have become a bloodbath long ago.
"A rebellion on our part as well as an economic downfall." Said the goblin, rising from his seat. Attention was turned to him. "You know very well what happened the last time, Mr. Minister. Vampires helped the world's population get rid of those bloodthirsty vampires, as you named them, who are actually Zeliths. If this is how you thank them when they have never harmed wizards, and quite the contrary! I will personally make sure that economy drops drastically!' assured the goblin.
"Let's see... I'm sure we can... find a solution." Wood hesitated.
The members of the Wizengamot began talking among themselves. Seth noticed that the goblins had a lot more influence than he thought. After a while when he was getting impatient, the minister's hammer hit the block again and the talks ceased.
"What solution do you propose, Mr. Vulken?" Wood asked.
Nicholas gave a parchment to Vincent who got up and walked down the stands before going over to the minister and placing the parchment in front of him.
"What is that?" Leonard asked looking at the parchment.
"The solution, Mr. Minister. Take this mark away from us and, in exchange, we will follow these laws.'' Said Vincent.
The Minister cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
''A vampire must never knowingly harm, kill, feed off of, or sire a child, under any circumstances.''
''A vampire must not kill his victims on which he feeds.''
''A vampire shall never sire a human without their consent.''
''A vampire will have to accept mental connections when he sires unless he is sure that an older vampire can help him control his hunger. The contrary is not recommended, and the King must be informed if the situation arises.''
''Any blood-enraged vampire known as Zelith must be reported to the king or killed if this is not possible or poses a danger to the public.''
''A vampire must always obey royalty, no matter where he comes from.''
''A vampire must do his best to obey magical laws, including keeping the status of the magical world a secret, unless it violates vampire laws.''
''A vampire will never be judged by the magic court. The king must be informed if a situation arises and will judge the accused himself.''
The minister paused after finishing and looked at the other members of the Wizengamot.
"How can you not be judged by the magic court? What if one of you were to kill a wizard?'' asked the minister.
"I don't see why that worries you, since it will never happen and has never happened." Nathaniel said looking at Felipe, then the Minister. "Many times, my nation could have broken these laws already present everywhere we went. With this mark, you deprive us of feeding ourselves properly and, at the same time, drastically increase the chances of creating Zeliths by preventing us from spilling our venom. This venom which, since you don't know, gives a feeling of extreme well-being to those who receive it. If you would bother to ask any wizards here what vampires bring them, you would see that you have everything to gain by continuing the alliance you had with us. Be it monetary, legislative, dealing with magical creatures, and even…war, as Ranrok so aptly mentioned to you.'' Nathaniel said.
Conversations resumed with renewed vigor among the members of the Wizengamot. The Minister spoke with Wood, then Felipe and Daniel. About ten minutes passed while Nathaniel spoke with Elena and ran lovingly his fingers through her hair. The gavel banged against the block and the conversations ceased.
"We will proceed with a decision. For those in favor of destroying the orb.'' asked the minister.
Several hands went up and Seth counted out twenty-five.
Twenty-five… half.
The minister waited a moment longer and all eyes turned to Dumbledore, who now had to make the final decision due to a tie. Dumbledore stared at Seth before speaking.
"I consider the laws the vampires have made to be just. May this orb be destroyed and may the Ministry never use any method of magical control against them again.'' Dumbledore decided.
Relief was felt among the vampires as a wizard who worked in the Department of Mysteries fetched the orb. Seth nodded to Dumbledore, approving his decision and his help, understanding that he would be in his debt, one of these days.
When the orb was destroyed in front of everyone, Seth got up and went to his father.
"Im ceri- ú- òre té cin ceri-ha, demo tul-nin i tád galad cuin ben firn, ed." Nathaniel said in Venthyr.
Seth glanced at the two Aurors in question.
"I'll find a way, Father." Seth reassured.
Venthyr translation
''Im ceri- ú- òre té cin ceri-ha, demo tul-nin i tád galad cuin ben firn, ed.''
"I don't care how you'll do it, but bring me those two Aurors alive or dead, son."
