Strength does not come from physical ability. It comes from an indomitable will.

The Purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 21 A duel of fire

February 10, 1945, Uagadou

The holiday season had gone by fast, having had a lot of fun despite the incident with the Amortentia. Abraxas had been really embarrassed, because although he loved Seth, he assured him that he would never have dared to show his feelings like that and that he respected him too much to be obsessed with someone like him. Seth reminded him of the effects of the Amortentia and made him realize that he wouldn't have wanted it to go any further anyway. Tom had stayed at Hogwarts, as he didn't see him at the castle for his 18th birthday.

January classes focused on dueling, without the use of magic wands. Duels were what he liked to do the most in addition to being the most talented, according to him, because no one could disarm him or put him out of action. The director himself witnessed almost all the duels in the school and he did not know, until February, the reason.

Seth watched, from the Quidditch stands, a duel between Headmaster Blackwell and Merebelle. Indeed, there was no exam as such in Uagadou. To succeed in Uagadou, a student had to face the headmaster in a duel. Although the director very often left chances to graduate without winning the match, it was quite an exploit to accomplish, and we could be proud of it. Merebelle had confessed to Seth that this was her third attempt with Blackwell, but that she had stayed in school because she always liked to learn new things and meet all kinds of people.

The duel seemed unequal. Blackwell didn't have his wand in his hand and Seth frowned. He manipulated spells and the elements as if his body expelled magic naturally and instantly. Merebelle didn't always use her wand either, blocking spells with her left hand and fighting back with the most cunning spells Seth could know.

"The Headmaster never uses his wand?" Seth asked.

"I've been here twenty years, and I've never seen Blackwell use his wand. However, most of the students beat, if you will, our headmaster after three tries.'' Galinos explained.

"If you will?" asked Seth.

Galinos chuckled.

"Merebelle is on her third attempt. Look, and you'll see what I mean. He urges them to use all possible magical spheres in a duel…" Said Galinos.

Each attack was therefore planned to encourage the student to review all his knowledge. From metamorphosis to herbology or from spells to history. If you didn't remember the witch, Gwendoline the Whimsical, who used the freeze-flame spell to keep from burning at a stake, Blackwell reminded you of it by repeatedly attacking with fire. But Merebelle was not at her first time and quickly did the freeze-flame spell before counter-attacking. The platform was in pieces and the exhaustion showed on Merebelle's face, but surprisingly enough, on the headmaster's as well. Wings appeared on Merebelle's back and her face lengthened and formed a beak. She had tried for a while to outsmart him through the air, using her Veela form, but it had instead made her more vulnerable. She was on the ground again, out of breath.

"They can't take it anymore… how long has it been? Two hours?' Yaxley asked from beside them.

Merebelle gave a sly smile.

"Oh, she's going to do something." Seth said, a little excited.

She raised her hand sharply and the mounds of earth and bricks lifted into the air and placed themselves in such a way that she created a wall all around the platform. She quickly moved her wand with her other hand, and a torrent of water appeared all over the platform, filling up at lightning speed.

Blackwell, impressed, had remained stunned for a few seconds, and wanted to cast spells towards Merebelle, but they were all blocked by walls of water which appeared in front of her. She threw a Bombarda at Blackwell who blocked her spell, but it blocked his vision and Merebelle disappeared from sight. Despite being practically overwhelmed by water, Blackwell suddenly threw his arms up in the air and his voice boomed all over the stadium.

''ENOUGH!''

Wondering where Merebelle was, like everyone else, the water calmed down and that's when a big fin appeared around Blackwell.

Merebelle was a shark.

"Wow." Seth said, but Galinos chuckled.

"She finally used her Animagus form in a beautiful way! Not really leaving a choice to our dear headmaster to end the duel.'' Said Galinos.

The walls crumbled and the water spilled everywhere outside the platform. Merebelle was now on her knees in front of Blackwell, who was laughing heartily.

"Congratulations, Merebelle. I bow in front of your intelligence and your cunning.'' Blackwell said in a loud voice that echoed everywhere.

He bowed to her, as he had said, and Merebelle got up, proud of herself.

OoOoO

February 14, 1945

Parties of all kinds were celebrated in style at the Uagadou school. Pink and red clouds floated everywhere, and heart-shaped bubbles followed everyone. The more hearts there were around a person, the more they were appreciated. Probably due to her duel, but also for many other reasons, Merebelle was buried in floating hearts, which made everyone who passed by her laugh. A dozen floated behind Seth.

"You know you can make them go away if they get in your way." Seth chuckled.

Merebelle burst out laughing.

"Oh no, I love the attention the people give me every year. And since it's my last, might as well enjoy it.'' She said.

Love music was heard in all the hallways and small conjured beings with wings carried messages to the students.

Seth had a herbology class in a few minutes on the most dangerous plants in the wizarding world and he was looking forward to it. Merebelle had tried to take it with them because it was a class she had loved in the past, but in front of all the hearts that buried her, she resigned herself and went to fans who did not fail to shout her name.

"See you later, Seth, Corban!" she shouted with a hand sticking out among the bubbles.

"How many hearts do you think you would have had if we were at Hogwarts?" Corban asked.

"I don't know, but what I would have liked to see was Weasley's face." Seth said with a smirk, letting his childish heart take revenge in his head.

Corban choked back a laugh, with a dozen hearts floating behind him too.

Herbology class passed too quickly for Seth's liking. Ranging from human-sized carnivorous plants to a plant Muggles didn't know was magical: the Moroid Dendrocnid.

"The gympie-gympie or Dendrocnide Moroid is known as the most dangerous plant in the world. Being in contact with the latter causes unbearable pain, and it is enough to stand next to the latter to be subject to irritations, nosebleeds, and headaches. '' Explained the centaur professor, Gallberry. '' Discovered in 1860 by muggles... by accident, in Australia near the peaceful town of Gympie (meaning devil in the Aboriginal language) in the State of Queensland and present as far as New South Wales and southern Australia Indonesia, the gympie-gympie is considered the most dangerous plant in the world. However, this plant has always been native here, and has unfortunately escaped the vigilance of wizards. Having its skin in contact with its leaves causes unbearable pain, which can lead to death. The sharp pain is compared to an acid burn. Some people burned have reported feeling pain in the burnt area for several weeks or even months. Of course, we have a simple remedy and like many solutions, it is a potion. It is used in several potions and poisons.'' Finished Gallberry before the class was over.

Seth imagined torturing enemies this way, using something other than the cruciatus.

"Can you imagine how many ways you can hurt someone without using the cruciatus?" Corban whispered next to him.

Seth raised his eyebrows: Corban had had the same thoughts as him, and it wasn't the first time this had happened.

''Yes. That is, indeed, quite surprising.'' Seth replied.

"Are you going to wait until summer before applying to the ministry?" Corban asked as they walked towards the large dining room.

"Hm, I want to do this duel with Blackwell first. But, I was planning to apply this summer yes, and I already have a foot in the ministry thanks to the Malfoys." Seth said.

"Do you still want to aim for international cooperation?" Corban asked.

''Yes. If I want vampires to be recognized and helped in the world, I must aim for no less than that, but I know that the head of the department, Dominic Sharp, will not be easily surpassed. So, I have to be his assistant first and foremost, and even then, I'm not sure of his intentions or if he'll let me be. It is for this reason that I must succeed in this duel on the first try. "Said Seth.

"Hey… you will succeed, I have no doubt, you have already written half of the lessons for the next herbology class. You remember everything because of your eidetic memory.'' Corban said.

''Yes, it's true. How are you doing with your Kneazle?" Seth asked.

"All that's missing is the head...like most people, that's the hardest part, and I'm always worried that something will happen when I transform." Corban said.

"As long as you get there before summer. Blackwell seems to want to push everyone to use their form against him.'' Seth said.

''Oh. I do not intend to try this duel against him more than once. I want to invent things and invest myself in the more mysterious sides of magic.'' Corban said.

"Ah! The Department of Mysteries, yes?'" Seth said and Corban nodded.

''My final goal, but I'm going to go to the department of creations and magical regulations first, it's easier to work there, and I need a salary quickly…'' Corban said before falling silent, chewing his tongue.

Seth stopped walking, prompting Corban to do the same and Corban turned to him, confused.

"Corban…I wouldn't let you beg the ministry for a mediocre pay. You will live with me, in my castle, with servants and you will do what you want.'' Seth assured, before realizing how he had just felt as he heard Corban's words.

Corban blushed and scratched his head.

"Yeah...okay." Corban replied. "Are you coming for dinner?" he added, wanting to break the sudden unease in the air.

The great room had been rearranged to have hundreds of small tables for two or four people and the kitchen had surpassed itself. Menus were on each plate. Seth and Corban had sat down at a table for two and were having fun trying out several dishes while drinking wine.

Corban made him laugh, probably knowing he no longer had to stress over something he never should have. It was then that Seth realized he might have genuine feelings for Corban.

Merebelle had borrowed Seth for a few minutes and led him into an empty hallway. She smiled and bit her lip. The hearts that surrounded her were halved.

"What's going on, Merebelle?" Seth asked.

"Do you remember what I told you, that a Veela's powers didn't work on those whose hearts were taken?" Merebelle said.

Seth frowned, but wondered why she was telling him that.

"You just tried against me, and it doesn't work anymore?" Seth said.

Merebelle smiled even wider and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You're perfect together." She whispered in his ear before hopping off.

Seth watched her go and sighed.

"Honestly, I had to fall in love with someone."

OoOoO

June 15, 1945

Seth had not confessed his feelings to Corban, perhaps for fear of breaking a friendship that was so close. Nevertheless, after spending an entire year in Uagadou, he finally felt ready to move on to another step in his life.

The time for the duel had arrived and would take place like all the others, in the Quidditch stadium, which he had not participated in that year. A huge, raised platform sat in the middle, covering three-quarters of the pitch. All the students and teachers attended, as always, to all duels.

Seth was suddenly filled with nervousness as he climbed the few steps up the platform. Screams rang out, cheering him on and humming his name. For this duel, he had tied his hair: something he had never done before. He wore a loose white shirt with black laces on the sleeves that stopped at the elbows where you could see his bracelets on his wrists and his black pants, also with laces on the legs. He had the school crest on one of his sleeves. His wand was clearly visible in its holster on his right forearm.

Director Blackwell came up the stairs on the other side, getting an equal cheer. The proud look, with his green and gold leather armor, and his benevolent smile that never left him. What Seth saw next didn't reassure him at all: Blackwell held a twisted reddish wand in his left hand.

Cherry wood.

*The purchaser of Western wands should dispel from their mind any idea that the pink flower of the living tree made a frivolous or merely ornamental wand, for cherry wood often made a wand which possessed truly deadly power, whatever the core - although if associated with a dragon's heart ventricle, the wand should never be associated with a wizard without exceptional self-control and strength of mind.*

And Seth had no doubt that this wand undoubtedly contained a dragon heart ventricle. Blackwell had never looked so awe-inspiring, and his magic only radiated around him in incredible force, blending perfectly with his wand as if they were one.

"Well, Shit." Seth mumbled, telling himself the same words Abraxas would have mentioned if he was by his side.

Seth remembered that his wand was just as powerful and in perfect synergy with himself since he had one of his hairs in it.

He took the few steps that separated them, and they were now only a meter away. Seth's wand slid into his hand he held it out in front of him as Blackwell saluted.

"Twenty steps, Mr. Vulken." Blackwell's deep voice rang out as he spoke of the steps to take before starting the duel. "I remind you to use all your knowledge against me. Don't hold back, but don't kill me, please." He finished.

Seth blinked.

"That wasn't my intention, Headmaster." Seth said realizing it was his first time speaking to Blackwell.

A loud noise resounded in the stadium, announcing the long-awaited countdown. Seth turned and began counting the steps. His heart was pounding in his ears and the commotion of the students in the stands drowned out the sounds around him. He concentrated and remembered every spell, every move, every signature Blackwell had used with the other students. Each of his performances were adapted for each student, as if he knew in advance how to act against his opponent.

Why did Blackwell have his wand in his hand for this duel with him?

When he counted twenty steps, he quickly turned around, already preparing to defend himself against spells, but he felt nothing coming his way. Blackwell was moving his arms and wand in circular motions and Seth felt his heart sink into his chest: Blackwell was changing the terrain beneath their feet.

The ground began to shake violently, and Seth trusted his instincts and leapt into the air as sharp mounds of stones and sand abruptly rose from the ground where he had been a moment before. He landed two meters further and the ground shook again. Seth could tell from his bare feet what was coming and repeatedly jumped up, causing the headmaster to give up on this strategy, but the platform now looked like an open cave.

Seth could now easily hide behind the stone mounds and hear Blackwell's heart beating incredibly quietly. He quickly slipped through the debris silently, but tremendous heat suddenly came from everywhere, and this heat changed into fire animals: fiendfyre.

Faced with this immediate danger, Seth wasted no time and quickly made his way to one side of the platform, reciting one of the incantations that could be used against this terrible fire. When he reached the end of the platform, his incantation brought out his magic to his arms, then to his hands. He turned around and magic shot out of his wand and hands, causing a huge torrent of water to appear which blocked the fiery serpent coming his way and the serpent drowned in it before disappearing. The stream of water continued, forcing its way, just as the fire had done, through the paths between the mounds. The amount of water was such that it had time to rise to Seth's knees before the magic that held it ceased and the water flowed from the platform.

The fire and water had lowered the height of the stone and sand mounds and Seth could now see the Headmaster at the other end of the platform. Blackwell didn't stop there and with a wave of his wand, he evaporated the water around him within a radius of two meters. Seth watched in horror as the electricity now emanated from the headmaster's fingertips. Seth had his feet in the water, and he was completely soaked.

He had to think fast and a split second before lightning and electric water hit him, Seth jumped up, twirling his wand, and drying himself off before landing on a mound, not without first doing the spell Protego which stopped the passage of lightning and two spells launched by the headmaster. The third was a shield breaker that shattered his shield into a thousand beams of light. He jumped off the mound, still staggering from the pullback effect of the spell.

From the beginning, Seth was only defending himself… he had to think about counter-attacking too.

"Serpensortia!" Seth called out in Parseltongue. Five rattlesnakes came out of his wand. "Bite him!" he ordered with a hiss.

Knowing full well that the snakes were just diversions, as the snakes would never hold their own against Blackwell who was quick to cast spells on them and sever them one by one. He took the opportunity to cast spells in turn. Stunning spells, followed by a Bombarda and a repulso, while moving and dodging Blackwell's spells in turn.

Their duels continued like this for several minutes, each trying various strategies to reach the other, without success. Cheers rang out everywhere: "Oh!" and "Ah!" filled the stadium. Seth chuckled as he felt the magic coursing through every inch of his body. Nothing could beat the effects that magic had on the body and mind and that's exactly why he and Tom had engaged in so many endless duels.

Seth hadn't used his vampiric powers yet, and the Headmaster did mention that he should use all of his abilities. His exhaustion, which was slowly rising, brought out his vampiric side as a defense mechanism and urges to drink blood crept into his thoughts. Now curious what Blackwell would taste like, his eyes turned black before he used his vampiric speed and was behind him in less than a second. With his superhuman strength, he grabbed him and squeezed his arms while pushing his magic against him. Blackwell only had time to cry out in surprise for a moment, then he groaned against Seth, pouring out his magic to push him away.

Seth felt Blackwell's magic in waves, battling against each other who would be too exhausted to continue. Now having most of their clothes in tatters, Seth had access to the Headmaster's neck. Without waiting, Seth sank his now long teeth into the black skin, and powerful blood flowed into his mouth.

He didn't have time to drink much when Blackwell's body expanded, and wings grew from his back causing Seth to release his hold on him and he had to recoil at the dragon's enormous size, who was now in front of him.

Without hesitation, Seth changed into a wolf, almost as huge as the dragon and as Blackwell took flight, Seth jumped up and sank his jaw into the dragon's scaled left leg. A huge roar of pain echoed all over the stands as they soared through the air. Seth, who was still clutching Blackwell's leg, was in turn bitten by Blackwell who had turned around and sunk his gigantic jaw into Seth's left leg.

The pain was such that Seth let go of him instantly. He felt a liquid pouring through his veins, burning everything in the process and Blackwell released him in turn. Seth fell to the ground and crashed into debris.

Ffffffrrrr

Ffffffrrrr

The dragon's wings pushed the air forcefully, and a new roar sounded. Huge droplets of blood fell on the platform. Seth stood up painfully, having regained his original form, and placed a hand on his lacerated and bloody leg. A sharp burning pain emanated from his leg with a greenish liquid flowing from all sides. He couldn't take the time to heal himself or even inspect his wound, for when he looked up at the sky, Blackwell had his mouth gaping open, showing a volcano coming from his throat and ready to ignite everything on its passage.

Well, shit.

Seth knew how to end the duel and he pointed his wand at Blackwell with a shaking hand as the jet of fire swept over him at full speed.

"GLACIES HASTA!" Seth yelled.

The few seconds the ice spear took to leave Seth's wand and went straight into the dragon's mouth was enough for the fire to burn Seth in the face, where he barely had time to turn his head. The fire suddenly stopped, and Blackwell fell onto the platform in human form, unconscious, and Seth also collapsed, completely drained of energy.

OoOoO

"What a duel!"

''REMOVE THEM FROM THE INFIRMARY!''

''GET AWAY!''

''Fast! We need to act quickly so they don't have scars."

"What's freezing his organs like that? The counter-spell, quick!

"Calor Cordis! CALOR CORDIS!"

"That's it, he's coming back to himself. Holy shit, I'm on his leg! Go to Vulken, he needs an antidote for the dragon venom.''

''Yes, yes. I got it.''

He was dazed by the voices of the healers, but Seth knew they were extremely competent. His body was heavy, and he could barely move. He was thirsty, very thirsty…and the pain was unbearable.

"Gim…mn…b-blood…" he said very weakly.

''What?'' asked the healer.

Had they forgotten what he was?

''GIVE HIM BLOOD, YOU LITTLE INCOMPETENTS!'' shouted Corban's voice.

"Who brought him in here?"

"HE NEEDS BLOOD! HE'S A VAMPIRE!'' Corban continued. ''GET AWAY!''

Seth felt someone open his mouth and blood run down his tongue.

Corban.

"But…it's not…in the protocols…"

Seth had the strength to raise his arms, then hold Corban's wrist to guide him to his mouth. He opened his inky black eyes slightly and saw Corban's figure very blurry, despite the bright colors of his veins running through his body.

''Look! Protocol or not, that's the first thing you should have given him!'' Corban said.

Seth felt a tingle in his leg and the pain seemed to lessen.

"But...it's amazing...look at his leg!" the healer said.

Corban leaned close to Seth's ear.

"You were beautiful. You are beautiful. I'm here.'' murmured Corban before getting up and eyeing the healers. "You should take care of the headmaster."

"It's okay, Mr. Yaxley." Blackwell's deep voice rang out. "I'm glad to see that Seth is getting better."

''Mr. Blackwell! Avoid talking. Your leg will be healed in two or three days, and you will have to take these four potions every six hours.'' Said the other healer.

"Of course...ugh." Blackwell said before having a fit of intense coughing where bluish steam escaped from his mouth.

"Ah. That ice spell has really got to you, I'm afraid you're going to have chest pain for several weeks.'' Said the healer.

Seth had stopped drinking Corban's blood and tried to sit up in bed. He shook his head and the blur disappeared from his eyes. An open curtain separated their beds.

"Sorry, Headmaster." Seth said.

Blackwell laughed.

''Sorry? Hahaha! No! It was the most beautiful duel of my life. I have absolutely no regrets, Mr. Vulken.'' Blackwell said before having another fit of colorful coughing.

''STOP talking! Mr. Blackwell.'' hissed the healer.

"Yes, yes…" Blackwell said before sighing.

"Come on, everyone, get out!" added the healer waving his hands indicating everyone in the infirmary to get out to let Seth and Blackwell rest.

"Gibbs. Give this to Vulken, for his face.'' Said the other healer.

The so-called Gibbs was now holding an ointment and turned to Seth. Corban took one last look at Seth before stepping out of the infirmary. Seth lifted his fingers to his face and felt flaky, slightly sensitive skin.

"Yes, you are burnt… but it will completely go away in a few hours. We had done pain relieving spells on your leg and face, but it seems the dragon poison was working against your leg. Luckily your friend knew… what to do to help you. We always learn something new and are only so happy to learn.'' Gibbs said before applying the ointment to Seth's face.

"Thank you." Seth replied.

"There is really nothing. Now we'll leave you. Have a good rest. We do a round every hour for six hours, then it goes down, but if there's anything, ask for an elf.'' Gibbs answered before turning on his heels and walking out with the other healer.

Seth and Blackwell were now alone. Seth had a question that was burning his tongue, but Blackwell spoke before him.

"I had to take my wand for this duel." Blackwell said, answering his silent question. ''I knew very well… observing you for several months, that the only way I could defend myself against you was to use my abilities to the fullest too.'' Her voice was soft, deep, but marked by fatigue. "You are the only one… Mr. Vulken, and I can only be happy that someone as skilled and powerful as you has a heart in the right place. You are an exceptional being and I can't wait to see what you will accomplish for this world.'' He finished, closing his eyes.

Seth opened his mouth to speak but changed his mind. Blackwell's words sounded too much like those Lazarus had often said to him, but also his close friends, vampires, the Flamels and now him.

"Thank you...sir." Seth said.

'You are beautiful.'