I believe that humanity was born out of conflict. Maybe that's why in each of us lives a dark side. Some of us embrace it. Some have no choice. The rest of us fight it. Ultimately, it's as natural as the air we breathe. At some point, we are forced to face the truth. Ourselves.

The Purpose, Chapter 17 Uagadou

August 1943, Vulken Manor, Egypt

"This can't go on!" Leadzurm said, punching the desk.

The goblin king was in Nathaniel's office, and he was fuming with anger. Several other goblins were with their king, as were a few vampires, and Gellert sat cross-legged in a chair.

"It's not like I'm able to open these monuments, Leadzurm." Nathaniel replied. "I'm not a wizard."

"No...but your son does." Leadzurm said angrily. "These artifacts must be in our vaults! Not locked up in graves!"

"My son shouldn't get involved in these issues." Nathaniel said calmly.

Leadzurm landed another punch on the desk which knocked out quill pens and a pot of ink.

''And why not?! You said he would be the bridge between wizards, vampires, AND goblins! Who else could settle all the issues that generate discord between us and wizards?" Leadzurm said.

"He's not ready for this. He's too young and inexperienced.'' Nathaniel said.

Leadzurm grimaced.

"Let him take your place, then." Leadzurm hissed softly, but with hatred. "Nothing like learning quickly and he wouldn't have a choice, unlike you."

Growls echoed around the room. Leadzurm had just insulted the Vampire King.

''If I hadn't known you since you were born, Leadzurm, you would have taken your last breath.'' Nathaniel answered in a calm, but menacing, tone.

"Pscht! Finally, a decision that would have earned you respect, Nathaniel.'' Leadzurm said with a smirk.

Nathaniel closed his eyes and sighed.

"If I may..." began Gellert. The focus shifted to him and Gellert uncrossed his legs before standing up. "You know what I told you, my king…"

"It's just a theory. No one ever took Seth's blood.'' Nathaniel said.

"A harmless theory." Gellert said. "Why not test it?"

"What is he talking about?" asked Leadzurm.

There was a silence before Nathaniel answered.

"Grindelwald had a vision. He believes my son, his blood in fact, would have the power to restore magic to vampires who were once wizards." Nathaniel said. All the vampires and goblins had a surprised face. "You realize what that detail means." He continued.

Leadzurm pulled back and placed a hand to his chin thoughtfully and looked at Gellert uncertainly.

"That…would give far too much power…both to vampires and wizards. If… if this detail made itself known...'' began Leadzurm.

''My son would be in danger. What I just shared with you may fix some problems but create many more.'' Nathaniel said.

"Seth still hasn't sired a vampire?" Leadzurm asked.

''No. Not to my knowledge. Lazarus said no such thing to me.'' assured the Vampire King.

Leadzurm squinted, still looking at Gellert.

"Hmph. If this theory holds true...Grindelwald must not use his magic against us.'' Leadzurm said.

Gellert replied with a smirk.

"That goes without saying." Gellert said.

"Cheeky bastard." Leadzurm said.

"He's still a vampire. Rest assured that he is, and always will be, bound by my words.'' Nathaniel said.

''Alright. Still, talk to your son first. If only to avoid having an immortal wizard like Grindelwald.'' replied Leadzurm in disgust before walking out of the room, followed by the other goblins.

"Seth was supposed to be here today, right?" Gellert asked as he walked closer to the desk.

Nathaniel nodded signaling the other vampires to get out of the room, which they did.

"Yes, for the next hour I think." Nathaniel said turning back to the clock behind him. "Hm, rather in a few minutes." He realized before heading for the exit.

Gellert followed him to the hall where they saw Seth talking with the goblins. The exchange was brief as they left after a goodbye and a last look at Nathaniel coming down the stairs.

''Father. Nice to see you.'' Seth said giving his bag to a servant.

"Same son. Have you had dinner yet?' Nathaniel said.

"Only this morning, actually." Seth replied.

"Fine, we can talk in the dining room then." Nathaniel said before snapping his fingers and giving orders to the servants.

"Good evening, Gellert." Seth said before following his father.

"Nin còon." Gellert replied with a nod.

Once at the table, the servants served wine to Seth who did not fail to check the contents with spells before drinking. Gellert chuckled lightly before taking a seat across from him and Nathaniel was at the end of the table, but close to Seth and Gellert. What good was having a big table since vampires never ate, ordinarily.

"Is there anything you wanted to tell me, father?" Seth asked.

''Indeed. You know the goblins… how much their creations, their artifacts, in fact, everything they create is dear to them?'' Nathaniel said.

''Yes of course. They have the idea that whatever they create belongs to them, no matter who the buyer is, and that it is rightfully theirs when the person who bought it dies. I also think they are magically bound to them." Seth said.

''Leadzurm, the goblin king you just saw when you arrived, came to me for a problem that has been going on for several years and is causing discord between wizards and goblins all over the world, but here it is more frequent because of the tombs of the pharaohs. Many artifacts ended up in these tombs only to be protected by curses or spells of some kind placed by wizards long ago.'' Nathaniel said as a meal was served for Seth.

"I take it the goblins want those artifacts back?" Seth said.

"Yes, but they can't enter those tombs and the Ministry refuses to let them interfere through other wizards or in any way." Nathaniel explained.

Seth poked his fork into a grilled tomato.

"Hm, I see. You have already exhausted all options, otherwise you would not tell me. I have to go to Uganda tomorrow… I won't be able to investigate these graves for several months, if not a year.'' Seth said.

Gellert cleared his throat, as if asking permission to speak. Nathaniel put his hands on the table and sighed.

''I know. However, Gellert has a theory that could... that could benefit us in several ways.'' Nathaniel said.

Seth put down his fork and looked at Gellert with a frown, then at his father.

"A theory?" Seth said.

"A vision." Gellert replied. "A vision in which your blood is the key to every wizard… made vampire. Which would allow me, in my case, to restore my magic.''

Seth remembered when he had asked Gellert if he had a theory to regain his magic and the latter had changed the subject. Gellert then already knew how to do it, but at that moment, Seth would surely have refused…

"And... are you okay with that, father?" Seth asked.

''No. The prospect of knowing that you would be in greater danger does not please me at all. With this information… a lot of people would hurt you. You may be powerful and possibly immortal, but you are not invulnerable. However,… having a wizard like Gellert could be helpful in many ways. Ù- na màta i im ceri- ú- lè hon ceri- i ho anír-." He added in Venthyr while looking at Gellert.

Seth leaned back in his chair and held his hands.

''My blood. Do you remember the letter I wrote to you? I asked if you knew what would happen if a wizard took vampire blood.'' Seth said and his father nodded. Seth gulped before answering and twisted his blood pact ring between his fingers. ''I…I know what's happening, but I want to reassure you that it didn't last long, and it wasn't intended, but this wizard had vampiric powers…speed, among other things, and developed senses.''

His father's face remained impassive, but Seth knew he was suppressing anger, as he was so good at doing.

"I hope for you it's your dear friend Riddle, because only he can hold his tongue." Nathaniel said harshly. "Public information like this could result in us being hunted like animals. We already have enough problems as it is.''

Seth nodded.

"That vision Gellert had would probably be real, then." Seth said.

"There's only one way to find out, isn't there?" Gellert asked with a smirk.

"And how do you want to do that, exactly? I Give you a glass of my blood?" Seth asked.

Gellert's smile grew bigger and cockier.

"It's not as simple as that. It's not just your blood that I have to absorb, but your magic, your essence…'' whispered Gellert.

Nathaniel banged on the table which startled them.

"A VAMPIRE DOES NOT DRINK VAMPIRE BLOOD, IT'S IMMORAL, IT'S INCONCEI..." Nathaniel paused, then stood up before pointing at Gellert. "Im gúl korma vamme úd-n-iuithi-dan ammen, Gellert. Im avaquet-cin!''

A chill ran through Gellert as his smile faded and he pursed his lips at the direct order.

"Of course...my king." Gellert replied.

Seth lost his appetite and apologized before getting up from the table and leaving to his room. His thoughts swirled around in his head, not quite believing what he had just heard. In danger… him? Against wizards or even muggles who might want his blood? All the more reason to learn at Uagadou even more, like wandless magic, although he already knew a little. And what about being able to make immortal wizards, just like him? As his father had said, it would solve many problems, but create many more.

Seth sat on the edge of his bed, hands under his chin and elbows on his knees, mulling in thoughts. A knock was heard on his door.

"Come in." Seth said.

It was Gellert who came in and closed the door quietly behind him.

"Forgive me… if you can. You are no longer the young boy who approached my cell when I first saw you.'' Gellert said with a nervous laugh.

"Tsk, young boy... stop this charade, Gellert." Seth said before standing up and taking a step towards him.

"But it's not a charade." Gellert said.

They looked at each other without saying a word. Gellert placed a lock of Seth's hair behind his ear who was still thinking about what Gellert had just said, but also about all his insinuations from the years spent with him, playing chess, or learning from his experiences.

'Do you think he would have liked me to hug him? Placing my hands in his curly hair as my tongue wanders down his neck.'

"I hear your heart as clear as the sun quivering and you imagine me doing what I say to you, hmm?" Gellert reflected like a seeing mirror through him. He took a step closer to Seth and cocked his head slightly to one side. His voice dropped to a single whisper. "Just open that cage, like you've done so many times, Seth."

But Gellert was not in a cage.

Seth felt soft lips on his, one hand in his hair and the other on his back, and the warmth that emanated from a heartless body. The aroma of spices filled his nostrils. That smell he had so often smelled whenever he drank Gellert's vials of blood a few years ago. This ardent kiss, of which he was now the victim, no longer let him think about what was happening to him.

A burning sensation crept up his spine and he let out a moan that only tightened Gellert's grip on him. Gellert's fingernails had lacerated his skin and a tongue was now passing on his neck, making his heartbeat faster and faster. Everything he liked to do to others, Gellert was doing to him.

"Melda mìr." Gellert whispered before sinking his teeth in Seth's neck.

If that was the effect he had on its victims, Seth understood why nearly everyone was addicted to it. An explosion of happiness from every fiber of his being was all he felt. Everything became superfluous and nothing else existed but that: this electrifying fire that crossed his body at full speed. He heard nothing but the thundering drum of his heart. A pleasant warmth surrounded him, consuming him, and if it could still be possible, Gellert's grip tightened, and he couldn't move. The walls and floor shook. Glass shattered around them and the pressure around his body released as he passed out.

OoOoO

August 31, 1943

Seth woke up choking on a potion he recognized as a blood regenerating potion.

"Easy." Said Gellert holding his head.

Seth gulped and nearly choked again before gulping down the potion. He instantly felt better, but still drowsy. He heard his father swearing, and noises on the floor indicated that he was pacing. Gellert's magical aura pulsed around him. Seth pushed Gellert away with one hand and sat up in bed. He looked at his room where several objects had fallen, and pieces of glass were strewn on the floor.

"Will you fix this, Gellert?" Seth asked looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

Gellert smiled and raised his hand and the whole room went back to its original state. Seth smiled back and suddenly felt weak and his head fell back on the pillow where he fell asleep.

A moment later, Seth woke up to hearing arguments outside his bedroom. He had a big headache and he put his hands on his face.

'A goblin vampire… and then what?'

It was his father's voice, but he heard him talking with Leadzurm. The Goblin King had returned? How long had he slept?

'No, I say it could happen. Secrets are hard to keep, even among our own, and fools exist among goblins too.'

He had a moment of silence and he thought he heard his father sigh.

'The impossible happened… my son is a miracle, and his birth was impossible. I can't stop him from fooling around and always be by his side.'

'He is old enough to make his choices. Be glad that he does everything to satisfy you and that he is not like all those shitty wizards!'

'I still wonder if I made the right choice…'

'Grindelwald had better do as he is asked and return our artifacts to us as agreed. He does not share the same values as us and I know very well that he has always considered goblins as inferiors.'

Another silence and Leadzurm spoke again.

'When the human's war stops, they will look the other way and we might be hunted down, especially the vampires...Venwoerd might lose confidence. Seth will have to intervene sooner or later.'

Who is Venwoerd?

'He is not aware of our situation.'

Seth stood up and opened the door to his bedroom.

"What situation?" Seth asked.

"Seth." Said his father, surprised, but relieved to see him up. "This is not a situation you can intervene in. You need to finish your magical training."

"What situation?" repeated Seth.

Leadzurm remained silent, even with Seth's inquisitive gaze upon him.

"That will teach me not to argue in places like this. Seth, I don't want you involved in this." Nathaniel said.

"Like you didn't want me to meddle with the Zeliths? You wouldn't be free of this mark if it wasn't for the interventions I made to wizards.'' Seth growled.

"I agree... but it's not really the Zeliths the problem this time, but rather vampires out of my control." Nathaniel explained.

Seth blinked.

"You can't be everywhere. You need me since I can Apparate.'' Seth said.

"And I don't want to. By exposing yourself to vampires and wizards like this, sooner or later they'll all find out what you are and what you can do." Nathaniel said.

''So what? You want me to hide, father? And what's the point of giving Gellert his magic back?'' said Seth, feeling anger welling up inside him.

He didn't want to stay hidden, let alone not be involved in his nation's affairs this time around.

"If it can protect you for a while longer, yes, and I prefer you here, closer to Uagadou than to Hogwarts. At least there, you don't have to hide, and I trust that Mijuu Me could help you, and help us. As for Grindelwald, leave it to me. He's already more than happy with the tasks I gave him.'' Nathaniel said.

"Alright." Seth sighed before turning on his heels and heading back to his room.

He was shirtless and he had also lost track of time with his fainting and sleep. He cast a quick Tempus, telling him it was September 1st, but it was three in the morning. No wonder his dad had been talking in the hallway, thinking Seth was still sleeping. He looked at his suitcase in a corner, already ready to leave. He still had difficulty with the reduction spell, unlike the enlargement one. He put on a navy tunic over his black pants. He heard Leadzurm saying goodbye to his father and footsteps moving away. The voice of a man followed who Seth recognized as Michael, the servant who was originally on Vulken Island. He knocked on his door.

"Come in." Seth said and Michael entered before closing the door.

Michael gave him a smile and a bow.

''My prince. I was told you would need me before you left.'' Michael said.

Damn headache.

"Yes." Seth replied before approaching Michael who tilted his head to one side, inviting him to help himself.

Seth grabbed his hair with one hand and tugged at it and ran his tongue over Michael's neck as his teeth grew longer and his eyes turned black. He sank his teeth into the skin and his venom spread through Michael's body, relieving his headaches.

Michael groaned as his memories surged through Seth's mind. He didn't pay attention to it except the one where Michael had left the island shortly after seeing the house-elves. He had taken a portkey with several vampires and other servants at the king's request.

Seth stopped drinking and licked the wounds before withdrawing.

"Hmm. Delighted to see you here. Do you like Egypt?" Seth asked.

Michael rubbed his neck.

"I love the heat, actually." Michael replied.

"Good, then." Seth said before he thought of something. "I'm going to have to come every weekend here to relieve myself of my venom." He wouldn't dare to drink the blood of animals in unfamiliar territory, and he had thought of apparating to the mansion every time.

Michael gave him a smile.

"I was told that it will not be necessary, that someone will be there for that. Although I'm always available if you need it." Michael answered. "You are so different from others, even in your …bites." He finished with a laugh before curtsying again and walking out of the room.

"Someone?" Seth whispered to himself.

He left his room and headed for the hall. He passed two vampires and a single servant who bowed to him before he went outside for some fresh air.

He wondered what Gellert was doing now. Getting his magic back after several years must have had an extraordinary effect. He looked up at the starry sky and thought about what Michael had told him.

He wandered around for several hours before returning to get his suitcase. He said good-bye to his parents and apparated to Uganda from the dream he had had.

Arrived at his destination, he admired the clearing where he was. Trees of all kinds surrounded it, and the sounds of animals were heard everywhere. He followed the path that led to the cliff.

The mist cleared as he advanced towards the cliff. Birds passed over his head.

''To your left, new guy!'' someone shouted behind him and by the time Seth turned around, a centaur passed by to his left, galloping at full speed.

The centaur laughed and others joined him from all sides. The mist had completely dissipated, and he could see a huge lake in front of said cliff. Structures integrated it. The Uagadou school was gigantic.

He saw winged creatures coming and going in the structures of the school. There was music and fireworks were going off everywhere.

''Galinos!'' shouted a woman's voice.

Seth turned, curious to see who this Galinos was. It was a centaur who answered her and galloped towards her.

"How many new ones are we supposed to have this year?"

"A dozen, including two from Hogwarts."

Two?

"Look, it looks like this… oh yeah, Vulken? Vulken! That's you, yes?'' said the woman.

Seth smiled at her and approached her, his suitcase floating behind him. He thought she was extremely pretty. She had high cheekbones, and her blue eyes resembled his. Her hair was blonde and tied in a complicated way and her hair went down to her lower back.

''Yes. It's me, Seth." Seth replied, extending his hand to her.

She shook his hand enthusiastically.

''Welcome! My name is Merebelle. We are the ones who welcome newcomers and this year very few are joining us, but it has happened a few times. Just last year, we had fifty-three people! Oh, look, here are some more!" Said Mérébelle before raising her arm and waving her hand.

"You'll want to follow the green paths, so you know where to go the first time." Galinos said.

Seth looked towards the school and green magic powder floated in the air heading towards a huge entrance near the lake.

''Thanks, I can't wait to visit the place." Seth replied.

Galinos laughed.

"Not just visit it. You won't have the choice to know every hallway by heart fast enough, because teachers love changing classrooms like they change underwear!'' Galinos said.

"Well, how fun." Seth replied almost sarcastically, and Galinos laughed again.

Seth, however, understood that Galinos had told a lie when he heard Merebelle question him about it. Seth sighed and followed the green path as directed, hearing several people greeting each other around him. He saw several animals, half of them flying, enter the school. He wondered if they were all Animagus or if the animals came and went as they pleased.

He followed the green powder to a gigantic room where runes, portraits, and decorations adorned the walls. Large chandeliers illuminated the rooms with obviously magical balls of lights. Three large tables sat on one side while mattresses, blankets and cushions sat on the other. It might have seemed odd, but animals and centaurs were taking these places.

''Your suitcase. Why don't you put runes on it? If you're having trouble with the reduction spell, it would be much simpler, and less cumbersome.'' Said a familiar voice behind him.

He turned around and saw Corban with a mischievous smile.

"Corban?" said Seth who understood now why Michael had told him that a servant wouldn't be necessary for him.

"Well, who else? You wanted to leave me alone at Hogwarts?'' said Corban.

''Alone? What about Black and Nott, then?

Corban shrugged.

"You know the reason why I would have followed you, so… I prefer not to broach the subject. At least I know I'll be very useful to you here and you can't ignore me.'' Corban replied.

Seth frowned.

"Frankly, I've known how to manage for a long time, and I had already solved my problems without you thinking you could use me as you wish." Seth said thinking back about Miria, the servant he had killed, who had thought she was using him for his desires in addition to being manipulated by Gellert. "It's not a handicap."

"Far from it to want to make you think that! I couldn't…I…'' stammered Corban, his cheeks flushing.

He was interrupted by a green and yellow dragon passing over their heads. Several cries of wonder and fear were heard. By reflex, Seth's wand was already ready for battle, but the dragon landed in front of the staff table and transformed into a swarthy-skinned man. His hair was black with green and yellow colors, held by armor wings at the ears. He wore a full black beard, and his piercing yellow eyes looked around the room with a smile. His clothes looked like armor but were leather and the green and yellow colors were all over the place in patterns that were impressive to look at.

''A dragon! His Animagus form is a goddamn dragon!'' Corban said in awe.

Seth was also very impressed, and glad to know a person who can change into a dragon. The began to speak in a deep voice that echoed around the room, welcoming everyone. Indeed, the room was now filled with students, centaurs, and animals of all kinds. Some transformed into humans and went to find their friends. Seth noticed that there were no distinctions between any: there were no houses like at Hogwarts, but all sported a similar uniform, but worn in all sorts of ways.

"I invite our new students to take their place among us where you will find space. Don't be shy, it is forbidden to bite our comrades without their permission.'' Added the director with a wink which seemed to be directed at Seth.

Guided by his instinct, Seth walked towards the centaurs, but more precisely next to Galinos where he sat on a cushion. Corban had followed him and sat down next to him.

"Are you a wizard?" Seth asked Galinos.

Seth couldn't feel any magical aura on any of the centaurs and it intrigued him.

''No. The centaurs you see here, including me, teach astrology, arithmancy, herbology, and care of magical creatures. We are part of the same magical community, so why live separately when it is so pleasant to live here? Of course, other settlements exist in the vicinity, but we have a choice, and this is mine and theirs.'' Galinos explained.

"That's fascinating...it's clearly not the same in England." Seth said almost in a whisper as the headmaster started talking again.

The centaur snorted in response to Seth's comment. Galinos seemed to have a low opinion of wizards in England.

"My name is Daevion Blackwell, and I am the headmaster of this school. Here in Uagadou you will learn to control your heart, your inner self. There's nothing more powerful than self-control.'' Daevion said. Teachers came up behind him and took their places at the teachers' table. Seth recognized Mijuu Me among them. "Know that I do not accept, in any form, discrimination and racism. Here, we are united in learning the same thing: to live with the magic that surrounds us and to control it. Our duty is to protect our world, since there are so few of us, and the knowledge reflects the wisdom of our choices which I know each of you will know how to do well. The school guardians, who are our veterans, as well as the centaurs, are the ones who will give you your time table with your classes. They will also show you the dorms and the room you will occupy. This will be yours for all the years that you decide to stay with us. So, I wish you a wonderful year and welcome back to school!" He finished before transforming back into a dragon and flying out of the room in a whirlwind of wind.

The centaurs went towards the new ones, and all headed towards the dormitories. As Seth guessed, they placed Seth and Corban together. Two single beds were separated by an open plain wall each with a desk on each side, a chair and a chest of drawers.

"You can transform your furniture and your space if you can. It's not possible to enlarge the room however, since the magic compresses the walls in the dormitories in order to have the necessary space for everyone.'' Said Galinos handing them their class timetable and wishing them good night before showing the other rooms to the other new students.

Seth twisted his wand in his hand and his suitcase opened before letting go of all his things, which were stored in the dresser and on the shelves on the wall.

"Did you have time to see the toilets?" Corban asked.

"Yes, second lane to your left before our room.'' Seth replied.

Corban rushed to the indicated spot and Seth chuckled. He looked at his timesheet and his first lesson was Charms without mention of grading. The year seemed to be promising.

Venthyr translation

"Nin còon."

''My prince.''

"Ù- na màta i im ceri- ú- lè hon ceri- i ho anír-."

"Not to mention that I wouldn't let him do what he wants."

"i gúl korma vamme úd-n-iuithi-dan ammen, Gellert. Im avaquet-cin!''

"That magic should NEVER be used against us, Gellert. I forbid you!'

''Melda mìr.''

"Beloved jewel."