Author's Note: I've finally gotten to the point where I'm going to skip several years. So, I'm going to write short passages with a few scenes but with jumps in the years very quickly. I want to get to the time of the Marauders as soon as possible.
The Purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 25 Monotony
August 12, 1945, Vulken Manor, Egypt
Blood rushing into his throat, Gellert heard the servant's heart begin to slow, which meant he had to stop or else the servant would die in the next few minutes. Not that the servant was really complaining, only feeling pleasure in his entire body from the much-desired venom that only vampires possessed.
Gellert withdrew, blood pouring from his mouth, and picked up the vial from the small table beside him before handing it to the servant who began to drink it, his eyes cloudy. If it wasn't for the blood regeneration potions he made, the servants wouldn't be enough to support all the vampires in the mansion.
Nathaniel had used Gellert's magical knowledge for several things, and one of them was to reduce the number of servants in the mansion in Egypt. It was clearly not the same as on Vulken Island, not having the same resources at all.
He dismissed the servant and went to the window, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. On his desk was the latest news from the muggle world. The headline read A second atomic bomb dropped on Japan. A twitch appeared on his lip, he had warned it would happen, he had warned them all.
Whatever.
His visions were scarce, and once again he saw in the reflection of the window a girl with dark hair, forest green eyes, and perfect features. She must have been seven or eight years old, and Seth had his hands on her shoulders possessively.
Was she, his daughter?
The vision changed to the same man Rosier and Abernathy couldn't find, and that same triangle that shone between his fingers. The man disappeared as he had come.
Gellert looked towards his desk where several types of metals were. He had begun to see what metal could be manageable enough to be shaped like a triangle and resist magic and runes. It was inconclusive, and he will probably have to mix several types of metals together.
Anton informed him that the king had just returned, so Gellert left his office and joined the king in one of the living rooms. He cast an intimacy charm on the doors, and Nathaniel raised his eyebrows at the gesture. Nathaniel then put down the book he had taken and sat down in a large armchair.
"What is it, Gellert?" Nathaniel asked.
Gellert stood in front of him, arms behind his back.
"I recently contacted two wizards who followed me when I was… a ruler. Knowing I was still alive, they were of course inclined to want me to carry out the projects I wanted to do for wizards.'' Gellert said, watching the king's reaction, but saw that he was impassive, and he couldn't read his thoughts. "Though I've been... delayed, I think you might appreciate what I could...offer for the vampires." Gellert added.
'' What do you have in mind, exactly? '' Nathaniel asked, still suspicious of this wizard who knew how to manipulate words like no one else.
"These Muggles now have a weapon capable of annihilating anything in its path. Since that weapon could one day turn against us, failing to wage war against muggles, we could infiltrate them with vampires and wizards…'' Gellert said, but Nathaniel raised his hand.
"My son… and you, have more in common than I realize. When the confederacy of wizards assembled a few days ago, Seth exposed exactly this plan to wizards, openly. Sorcerers weren't too keen on this idea, but they're left with few options. Still, I doubt your goals are the same as Seth's, except in the same vein.'' Nathaniel said.
Gellert gritted his teeth. The king was decidedly very clever.
"You don't tell me if you approve, though." Gellert said.
Nathaniel stared at him for a moment, then nodded.
"I give you the right to create vampires, Gellert, as long as I'm present for every new childe you make." Nathaniel said.
Very clever.
OoOoO
December 22, 1945, Vulken Island
Colpy was a good elf.
He always knew when his masters were awake. He always knew where to be in the room without them noticing. He had learned to use his magic to hide his heartbeat and footsteps. The clothes were always cleaned and changed a few hours after his masters threw them on the chair or on the floor when they were intimate. Master Yaxley was always taking his tea in the morning, and he always took it in the living room with the newspaper, wizard and muggle, on the small table next to his favorite couch. His master never failed to say "Thank you Colpy" every time. Master Yaxley did not fail to drink the blood of one or more servants, almost three times a day and he seemed to take pleasure in it.
Seth was very different. He drank his coffee, often with a book in his hand, and mumbled magic formulas, frowning. It was not uncommon to see objects destroyed, on fire, or floating in the air after his passage. Sleeping very little and mostly settling on cleaning spells as he was too busy or distracted to even think about taking a shower, and where Colpy had to kindly suggest the idea. His master was calm, kind, and always had been. Colpy also knew what mighty master lay beneath that kindness.
The elf Padry was the one who took care of the muggles. He knew when someone was sick and needed care. He knew who to send so the vampires could feed. He also met with Master Steven and Mistress Galéa for the renewal of the supply of the castle and the village. Muggles had been very kind to them after they stopped fearing house-elves, which hadn't been long. They gladly helped to see their routines, and the elves had helped them do most things with their magics.
Colpy also took care of the island, which also meant the protections. He took care of the stables, including Seth's Abraxan, and the marina. When his chores were done, he also sometimes took care of helping out in the village. Both of them cleaned the castle every day and took on the habits of everyone, but especially of their two masters.
And so, as always, Colpy knew what his masters had to do and where they had to be. He had placed clothes for Master Seth and Master Corban, worthy of their status, on the chair next to the dresser. His masters had drunk blood from servants and had showered.
Seth was braiding Corban's hair. The day before, they had attended Abraxas' wedding to his wife Isobel Avery, now Malfoy. But today, they were going for the second time together, to see the Nutcracker show in the same theater as last year, in London.
"Colpy. Did the minister respond to my letter?'' Seth asked.
He had deposited on the Minister's desk, a week earlier, his plan to build houses in Hogsmeade. It contained all the details: from the quantity of material to the total costs that it engendered. With a positive response from the minister, he could move on to the next step, which was to find families who would take in the Muggle-born children.
This step had sparked another idea for, perhaps, integrating muggles into the magical world. It was about making them vampires, and thus responding to the other suggestion he had listed during the council in New York, but… one thing at a time.
"Yes, sir. You have received several letters, which are on your desk, and one is from the Minister.'' Colpy said.
''Perfect. Depending on his response, I can tackle the next step of this project.'' Seth replied.
Corban buttoned up Seth's top and put a sleeveless jacket over his shirt.
''It can wait. Let's enjoy this moment, shall we?'' reproached Corban.
"Hn."
The end of the muggle war had created a much more jovial air, especially with the holiday season. London was no more different than most of the planet right now. People were laughing, sharing, and giving without looking or thinking. However, all places of recreation, such as theaters, were crowded. The tickets had already been bought for months and they were ready to apparate, but the somewhat old voice of a servant woman caught his attention.
"How beautiful you are, Seth." Said Kathleen.
Kathleen. The servant who had always been there for him since birth. He had never dwelled on her age, but at that precise moment, he realized that she must have been 80 years old, at most…
Very few Muggles were in his heart, but Kathleen was one of them and he looked at her for a moment. Her hands were shaking before she held them together, but she approached with a sure, firm step. Her long salt-and-pepper hair was tied in a bun behind her head, and her eyes, once light brown, had turned pale, but were filled with wisdom and cheerfulness.
"Well, do I have a spot on my nose?" Kathleen laughed.
Seth shook his head.
"No...are you...are you okay?" Seth asked, suddenly not knowing what to say, which was unlike him.
"We're going to be late." Corban said taking Seth's wrist and apparate with him.
Seth felt Corban's emotions of disgust and pulled his wrist out of Corban's grip.
"Hey. What's your problem?" Seth asked.
The words 'old', 'servant', and 'muggle' were on Corban's mind, who sighed, not wanting to elaborate on his concerns, but Seth understood and sighed as well.
"She's been in my life for thirty years, even if she's just a servant." Seth muttered as they walked towards the theater.
There were several topics they did not agree on, but it was one of the consequences of being able to know everything about the other through thoughts.
The place was crowded. They went beyond, without going to the ticket machine, and headed for the higher places in rooms specially dedicated to the most expensive tickets. Valets opened the door for them to the room where the scene could be seen from very high up. They sat in the plush armchairs where wine goblets, empty for now, awaited them on a small table between the armchairs.
It didn't take long for people to line up and the show to begin. A valet came in and served them wine. The latter looked at Corban who read his thoughts far too easily.
'I bet they fuck together. I'd do them both to myself, anytime.'
"Vin de Provence, Gentlemen." Said the valet, presenting the bottle.
He put the bottle on the table and turned to leave, but Corban grabbed his wrist.
''Sir?'' wondered the valet.
A smirk appeared on Seth's lips. For the past few months as Corban learned to tame himself as a vampire, Seth had to accept that Corban was much more… voracious than he was and he never missed an opportunity to drink blood. His gaze went to the other people who could observe them from afar. He waved his hand, tossing a notice-me-not charm on them and all eyes went away.
"Do you have a name, boy?" Corban asked.
''He's just a kid.'' Seth thought, but Corban ignored him.
"Charles...Sir." The valet replied with a smile, letting himself back in front of Corban as he pulled him towards him.
Corban pulled him even closer, and Charles's head was now almost in Corban's neck, who took the time to smell his short brown hair.
"How old are you?" Corban muttered, running the hand that previously held his wrist, through Charles's hair.
"18 years old... Sir." Charles replied.
Corban gently pushed him away and crossed his legs.
"You're lying…come on, get out of here." Corban said, motioning him to leave, which he did in a hurry. "How did you know?" he asked Seth.
"His smell." Seth replied as the door closed behind Charles. "They…all have this kind of…distinctive sweet smell…only in children. Although the change doesn't happen overnight, I can assure you that he was probably in the last year of his innocence."
"Tsk! His innocence. Hearing his frivolous thoughts, he wasn't that innocent." Corban said.
Seth chuckled lightly and the show began.
The music was sublime, like the last time. The dancers were perfect. He felt that Corban was enjoying the show even more than the last time. He even got up and walked close to the barrier. Seth loved watching him marvel like a newborn. To hear all these hearts that twirled with the dancers and the music. Certainly, it was like a first time, for him, as a vampire.
Seth closed his eyes as the final crescendo arrived and he reveled in the music and the happy vibes that emanated from his partner and the muggles. It was magical. He stood up to applaud the dancers who bowed.
"How are you doing it?" Corban asked as they walked outside in the streets.
Seth felt an insatiable hunger coming from Corban as he watched a couple walk past them. He'd never had that problem…at least, not that he remembered. Was it because he was born that way? No, he had not taken blood before the age of 22. The couple laughed, heedless of the possible danger just behind them.
"I've never had this problem…well, I think so." Seth asked.
Corban stopped walking and Seth turned to him, confused.
"Yes, you did...you weren't able to control yourself when Abraxas wasn't available, and you used me." Corban recalled.
''It's not the same thing. You're asking me how I don't jump on that couple over there?" Seth asked, pointing at them. "It's just common sense, Corban. I don't listen to my..."
Seth fell silent, not wanting to say wild side, but Corban had followed his thoughts.
"So… you do still want it? All the time?' asked Corban.
Seth thought for a long time. He vividly remembered the times he lost control, and it was mostly when his emotions were running high. He had learned Occlumency, and it had helped enormously to calm his cravings. It was then that he realized he had put his wild side behind Occlumency barriers. That's why he could go to work with Sharp, every day, and rub shoulders with wizards who gave him a hard time without jumping on them. He wondered how Vincent and Brian were doing in the ministry, but also knew that Vincent had a girlfriend…
"Did you practice Occlumency?" Seth asked suddenly.
Corban followed his thoughts and shook his head.
"No... but I'll get on with it, if only to silence this incessant urge in my stomach. It's not like it's...essential either. Still glad I can eat food.'' Corban said almost closing his eyes lazily. "I love blood."
They returned to the castle where Corban let his wild side take the reins and sunk his fangs into an available servant.
Seth went to his office to read the minister's response. Although the minister agreed to build houses, he wanted to meet the people who would build them. Seth sighed as he read all the requirements of his application and wondered how his parents and the Flamels had to reorganize the entire village when he only had to take care of a few houses.
He changed his mind as Christmas approached and which was the best time of the year for him.
OoOoO
June 24, 1948, Greengrass Manor
Sitting around the table in the dining room, you could hear the soft sounds of a cooing baby a few days old. Seth had been invited to celebrate the birth of Igor Karkaroff, the son of Monica's husband, Sergei Karkaroff, at Monica's request. Sergei had courted Monica after Emmanuel sent requests to specific families. Although three others responded positively, it was Sergei who married her.
He had returned from Norway to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, following the retirement of Professor Merrythought. He himself went to Durmstrang and finished his course five years ago and he specialized in a curse-breaking program. Born into a pure-blood family for several generations, the Greengrass patriarch had jumped at the chance ever since his daughter was freed from her blood curse.
Sergei had a hard look and gray eyes. He sported a well-groomed goatee and wore a suit that gave him broad shoulders, which already added to his great stature. He had a heavy accent when he spoke and kept staring obsessively at Monica.
Seth pushed his empty plate away with one finger, having eaten the herbed chicken breast he had been served, and picked up his wine glass which was refilled by the Greengrass' elf.
"The teachers are still talking about you, Mr. Vulken. Whether it was with the cooperation between the houses that they now lack or your prowess at Quidditch, you were truly loved. We even talked about your balls of lights nicknamed the Vulkanis. Can you imagine that? Everywhere in the corridors, the students try to reproduce these lights which follow them everywhere. Many do not control this spell, which is mixed with a charm and these lights burn scrolls…sometimes important.'' Sergei said.
His last sentence made Seth laugh slightly.
"It's not a spell that can be easily performed...since these lights react to the emotions of the one who invokes them. Teenagers are too often unfit to handle these emotions.'' Seth said.
"Really, isn't it?" Sergei nodded, drinking from his glass in turn.
Monica cleared her throat, cradling little Igor who slept in her arms.
"Seth… uh, we invited you because we wanted to ask you if…" Monica began before being glared at by Sergei and she fell silent.
"Not only do you speak to Mr. Vulken without asking, but you dare to disrespect him by speaking to him in a familiar way? Shame on you, woman.'' Sergei said harshly.
Seth looked at Emmanuel, who remained impassive. He let him talk to his daughter that way? Monica's cheeks were flushed with shame. He wouldn't accept her being treated like that, but he had to stay…diplomatic.
''Mr. Karkaroff, I've known Monica for several years. I assure you that she has every right to speak to me as she wishes." Seth replied.
Sergei was obviously surprised.
"She didn't tell me anything like that!" Sergei said, frowning. "I thought her request was in relation to your status, nothing less."
It was true that Seth had seen Monica a few times while Sergei was away. They saw each other as friends when his time allowed it.
"What request?" Seth asked.
"To be Igor's godfather, his magical guardian. I approve of this choice, having no family here and if my wife has known you for a while, it only adds to the many advantages that your status offers!'' Sergei said cheerfully.
"Not to mention that I told him about your ancestors, a few great wizards, and what you do for the ministry and the magical children." Mentioned Emmanuel, adding his two cents.
Sergei nodded, approving the words of the patriarch and raised his glass to his wife, or his son more precisely.
"Besides, I was told that it was thanks to you that a descendant for Lord Greengrass had been possible. Now it's up to you to accept our request.'' Sergei asked.
He didn't know much about magical godfathers, having read only briefly about the subject in books. It sounded a lot like how muggles viewed godparents in their religions. A godparent had to protect and house a person in the event that the parents of this person died, but he was also responsible for decisions regarding the life of this person if the parents were unable or in conflict.
He knew the reason why Monica would have asked Sergei, since Monica had been in love with him, if that wasn't always the case, and she knew she could count on him. Seeing Monica's only wondering gaze and not seeing anything negative about this request, he raised his glass.
"To my dear little Igor, it will be my pleasure to be your godfather, and to watch over you when the time demands it." Seth said smiling.
They all raised their glasses.
"Igor!"
OoOoO
August 1950
"Five years with you, Seth, and it's amazing how the work is always impeccable and done on time. I have the impression that your assistant is always aware of everything. Maybe I'll be able to take a well-deserved retirement sooner than expected!'' Sharp said with a laugh.
Seth smiled as he put away the latest reports from his village, named Meadow Fields, the one next to Hogsmeade, in preparation for the new year that would begin at Hogwarts. His assistant, Danyck, was a muggle from his island who intrigued him when he drank his blood during the renewal of magic in the Vulken village. With his father's permission, he had thus created a second vampire. Since Danyck was already familiar with the magical world, in a way, his adaptation had been very quick. Danyck had developed a power of telekinesis and had been able to help build the village with the wizards.
His gift was unique and only once in the history of vampires had he had one with telekinesis, but the latter had been killed by his kind, being driven mad by his lust for power.
"The new house has just been completed, and the furniture should arrive within the next week, modified by wizards Smith and Delarose." Danyck said through his thoughts.
"Perfect, just in time for young Astrid Bell and her brother." Seth replied the same.
His idea of creating vampires with the muggle parents of wizarding children had been rejected, not without surprise. He had even floated the idea of turning them into werewolves, but in front of the indignant faces, he hadn't pushed his luck. He had to be very careful, as he was now very well known among all wizards and known to the confederacy of wizards, having always followed Sharp to meetings, parties, and events like the Quidditch World Cups in 1946 and the one that just passed the previous month.
On top of all that, Corban had gotten his job in the Department of Mysteries and was working with Augustus Rookwood, an old schoolmate of theirs. Although Seth technically wasn't supposed to know what was going on in that department, the fact that Corban spoke to him via thoughts allowed him to do the opposite, and it was fascinating.
When Corban had worked with the Time-Turners, adjusting and repairing them, it had reminded Seth that his own Time-Turner was still on him, magically buried in his flesh, not having been in use for several years. Corban had to be extremely careful when handling them and he had to test them, which caused a funny situation when two Corbans were talking to him in his head.
"See you later, Dominic." Seth mentioned before walking out of Sharp's office.
Seth was walking through the halls of the Ministry, quietly heading to Vincent's office, and looking at a report on the security issues that had been caused by the international Quidditch match. There had been several riots following the victory of the Bats of Fichucastel against the Falcons of Falmouth and there had been a great many injuries and damage. Several wizards were asking for compensation, and he had to look at each case and had to decide whether or not to grant said compensation. To do this, he had to consult the report of the aurors, the guardian wizards, the witnesses, and the victims. He had to go to Vincent to decide on a plan of law that he would use to make the compensations and then see Brian, the one who takes care of the finances. Nothing better than working with vampires and Seth smirked at the thought.
It would take several weeks of work, which was already on top of everything he had to do. He was more than happy, once again, to have been able to sire a vampire that was helping him perform even better. The only problem had been to convince the Department of Transport so that Danyck had his personal portkey, in order to feed among the servants on his island, but also to return quickly. Seth had reactivated the Floo system in his living room and had received, on several occasions, officials for evenings.
It had caused a lot of awkwardness at first, due to the presence of muggle servants, but the house-elves had been much more present in those parties than the servants. After a few months, even the minister, Wilhelmina Tuft, who had succeeded Spencer-Moon in 1948, had been much more open to the vampire's way of life, especially after being charmed by Lazarus.
Although Tom still lived in his castle, they exchanged few conversations. It was weird to know that he worked at Borgin, when he could feel his presence constantly in his castle...probably due to his Horcrux that he kept in his room, one of the only secrets he had kept and that even Corban or Danyck didn't know. This secret was easier to keep, probably due to the blood pact he had made with Tom. His ring on his finger was an eternal reminder of that fact.
Airplane-shaped papers sped past him. He had managed to solve the problem of the charm to put on the messages and these went well to the intended recipients. It was he who put the charms on parchments and sheets of paper and distributed them to the various departments. He had taught this charm to several wizards, as it had only added to all of his own tasks and since several hundred messages could now travel through the ministry each day, it had been essential to show his discovery. Owl droppings were now a thing of the past.
''Mr. Vulken!'' shouted a man behind him.
Seth stopped and looked up from his report. The man had obviously ran to talk to him.
''Yes?''
"I've been looking for you everywhere, phew..." The man took a breath, hands on his thighs. "My name is Cooper Skeeter. I'm the new assistant reporter for the Daily Prophet and I..."
Seth didn't need to hear more. The director of the Daily Prophet, Peter Atkinson, kept harassing him with endless letters, wanting to tarnish the reputation of vampires in any way possible. Since Director Graves clearly didn't like him either, all the security reports mentioned the fault of the department of International Cooperation before that of the department of Security. Sharp was still on high alert, and Seth was feeling his exhaustion, trying to stay above the comments. Since Seth greatly helped the magical population with his village and the magical children, he still managed to silence most comments and the opinions of the magical population were generally more in his favor.
"I don't need another reporter trying to pressure me, Mr. Skeeter." Seth said before continuing to walk towards Vincent's office.
He entered the elevator and Skeeter came back with him.
''Far from it, Mr. Vulken, I wanted to…try to get a summary of how complaints from the Quidditch match are going to be handled… to give an overview for wizards and what they're going to expect.'' Cooper said.
Seth sighed and stepped out of the elevator, Cooper hot on his heels.
"I'm going to see Vincent right now. I want to be fair to everyone and it will be hard work. We will put a program of law for what happened and adjust the compensation according to the gravity of what happened to each… victim. I know some mediwizards who will be able to heal the more serious wounds in the next few days.'' explained Seth.
"You really think of everything! And it doesn't…"
"You may leave, Mr. Cooper, thank you." Seth cut in before stepping into Vincent's office and closing the door behind him.
Seth wiped his hand over his face as his report magically floated onto Vincent's desk.
''It won't be necessary, Nin Còon. I have already done all the paragraphs of the laws requested. You just have to go see Brian.'' Vincent said with a smirk, his hand on a document.
Seth blinked and picked up the document and read it quickly.
It was perfect. Simple, methodical, without blunders or catches. Everyone was a winner in some way, although some would be compensated less than others. Seth flicked his index finger at Vincent.
"I'll owe you, Vincent!" Seth laughs before turning around and running out as quickly as he came.
Vincent took a notebook from his desk and added another line where it said Seth's Debts. There were twenty-six lines. Amanda Perkins, his girlfriend, opened the door and closed it gently before going to sit on him and kiss him.
"Tell me, is that the prince I just saw leaving your office? He seemed really happy." Amanda said.
Vincent grabbed her hair and ran his tongue over her neck.
''Yes. There aren't two like me." Vincent replied before licking her ear.
"Oh...do you think...do you think he'll accept if we ask him?" Amanda asked, excited by Vincent's licks.
"I won't be able to drink your blood anymore if he accepts, nor will you do magic… is that really what you want?" Vincent whispered before biting into her neck.
''OH! Mm…I…"
Pleasure coursed through her veins and incoherent words came out of her mouth as Vincent groaned as well, adoring the magical blood filling his belly. He licked the wounds which closed and looked into her eyes with his black eyes.
"We still have time, and we'll need another source of blood here if we make this decision." Vincent explained before flicking his tongue over his blood-covered lips.
"There's nothing stopping us from using the Floo Network for your island, right?" Amanda said, her eyes half-open.
"Hm, like I said, we still have time." Said Vincent.
Venthyr Translation
Nin Còon
My prince
