The Purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 38 Help us

August 29th, 1971, Minister of Magic, London, Courtroom

Seth stood in the middle of the court, watching as the room completely filled with wizards and witches. He saw Dumbledore sitting near the minister and other familiar faces, but mostly aurors.

''Don't try anything funny.'' Said a voice behind him.

He looked behind, recognizing Alastor Maugrey's voice. He noticed he had lost a leg. Only a bad curse could prevent the use of potions to have a leg again. He brought back his attention to Dumbledore, then he saw Abraxas Malfoy enter the courtroom and taking place.

Seth stayed silent, waiting that anyone start asking questions. One thing was sure, he could feel a magical aura, a dark magical aura, on some wizards in the room. All on their arms, either left or right, but Abraxas had it on his right. If this was the Dark Mark he had seen on Emmanuel's arm, then he knew he would have a hard time with his friend.

He closed his eyes, trying to fade the bad memories away, and not to listen to all the whispers around him. Should he really be here? His meth and extasy withdrawal had been awful, but not as much as going through the pain of losing Corban again, and again, every single night. Merebelle did tell him he screamed for three days, cried for two, then went silent for a day before she was able to be in the same room.

''Mr. Vulken.'' Said the minister.

Seth opened his eyes and looked at the minister.

''Yes, Madam Jenkins.'' Said Seth, remembering her clearly as a member of the court when he used to work at the ministry.

''After the terrible events in America, you fled, unable to be found by any member of the MACUSA or any magical England citizens. Where were you?'' She asked.

''I was in Florida, where there is no wizards, nor any witches'' Answered Seth.

''I see. You come back here… when you are still a wanted criminal. Even as you defeated Grindelwald, you are charged with murders, conspiration, and use of mind control over wizards and muggles alike.'' Said Eugenia. ''You should be in Azkaban for life… or dead, for all the things you have done.''

Seth tried not to react. Azkaban is useless against him and dementors looked away whenever he was near them. As for dying… part of him thought he had died already, many times. Death would be almost bliss to him, but he liked to think he was not born for nothing, and still he had never found a reason why he was alive.

''What now?'' Asked Seth. ''I am here. Do you want me in Azkaban? Do you want me dead?''

He looked around and knew almost every single one of them, with whom he had worked with, whom he had gone to school with, or simply aided multiple times, like creating a village for muggleborns. Some had come from there and the events from America had not done much damage in England, for what Gellert had wanted was to control the biggest nation first.

''Albus Dumbledore said many things. We are… at war, with a dark lord.'' Said Eugenia.

Seth frowned.

''Dark Lord?'' Asked Seth with confusion as he looked at Albus, who had not mentioned that title Tom gave himself.

''Yes, the Dark Lord Voldemort.'' Said Eugenia.

Oh.

The room reacted at the mention of the name. Shivers, accelerated heartbeats, fidgeting and whispers. Seth realized Tom had used his old name he had created to bring fear into others. Had he already caused that much damage?

''Can you help us?'' Asked madam Bones.

What?

No. Of course he could not. Well, not directly.

''I…'' Hesitated Seth. He thought about his nation. ''The vampires were branded again. Even if my skills can help against him… I need you to understand that getting the vampires back on… your side will prove difficult, if not already too late.''

''Can't you control them? We have seen the powers of the crown you bear.'' Said Maugrey, knowing Seth had killed Gellert with just a single word.

Anger came faster than he thought possible. He bit his tongue, hard, and blood flowed in his mouth. He regretted sparing his life, so long ago.

''Wouldn't be so easy, with just a few words, to end everything? Is it not, Mad-eye?'' Hissed Seth.

The audience stirred in their seat. His comment had made them uncomfortable.

''You should not have the right to wield a wand, vampire.'' Replied Maugrey.

''Good! I don't need it!'' Said Seth.

''Where is your wand, Mr. Vulken?'' Asked Dumbledore, who remembered seeing it in Seth's hands in Miami.

Seth looked at the headmaster and shook his head.

''I gave it to my daughter. It seemed to be a perfect match.'' Said Seth.

He had gone to the island to heal, but also to see his daughter and Merebelle. Ruma had not been very happy to see him, saying that he had not right to leave her alone all this time.

She looked exactly like Monica at her age.

When she had not been able to get a wand from Ollivander from what Merebelle had told him, he gave her his, and it had been a perfect match. It's not like he needed it to perform magic, as he had been a wandless master for so many years. A wand made just everything easier.

''Your… daughter? You have a daughter?'' Asked Eugenia.

Whispers erupted all around again.

''I do. She is starting Hogwarts.'' Said Seth.

Whispers became louder and Jenkins hit the gavel on the sound block.

''You came back for her?'' Asked Eugenia when silence came again.

Having a family of her own might influence decisions she could make.

''I did. But also, because… I needed to do something…'' Said Seth.

''You do realize you will never partake for any decisions in this ministry ever again, Mr. Vulken?'' Said Eugenia.

''I'm aware. I also have a question to ask all of you.'' Said Seth as he stared at the minister.

''Go on.''

''The only reason the Dark Lord has not approached the vampires yet is because I was not there.'' Seth paused, letting his words sink deeply. ''Do you want him to come to me first and free my nation or are you going to do something about it while I stand before you.'' Asked Seth.

He knew he had them cornered with this simple question, a silent threat, although he did not know what the vampires really wanted. The minister clenched her jaw and looked around her, trying to get support from the other members, then at Dumbledore who sighed and closed his eyes.

''This is unconceivable! You can't ask us that!'' Said Bartemius Crouch, his old assistant.

Crouch always hated vampires and he hated Danyck too, thinking he was always the superior one.

''Fine. Then answer me this: Why im I here today?'' Seth asked, but before they could answer, he looked around him. ''Did I lose so much of your faith? Have you all forgotten what I have accomplished here? What I have built, and still stands? How many of you are standing here because of me?'' Wizards looked at each other. Many of whom he had saved through Meadow field. Many he had taught and helped to grow in the ministry. ''I may have done things that were not right, but all changes were meant to save wizardkind from a threat that still stands beyond the Dark Lord. I can… spend my energy, my resources, my wealth, my allies that you shunned away, and help protect… what is to be protected. If you refuse me… If I go away again… you will lose more than just one man.''

Seth had ended his short speech with thoughts of how he would actually do just that: protect what he thought needed protection. Although Tom had been his long, and first, friend, he still had not seen him for fifteen years and more. His intentions were not clear. Gellert was different, and he did not know what he would do, for now.

''Very well… please, Mr. Vulken. Let us a few days to… decide. Until then, may you be well.'' Decided Eugenia after a long minute.

Everyone started to talk at the same time. Some were angry, and he knew why. He did not lose any more time and apparated back to his home.

OoOoO

The branding on the vampires hand had been different. Although they could feed on humans, it had to be consensual. The mark also prevented vampires to go into any magical places without a special permit and the ministry could know where they were, all the time.

It was again controlled by a magical device within the ministry and no matter what the minister would choose, he would make sure it would be destroyed.

Going back on his island had been difficult to see the deterioration. The humans there had tried to leave the island, but many came back after a few months, when they saw the conditions, they had left. Although they asked to never have to be obligated to feed the vampires. The magic had faded, and many applications had failed within the village.

When Seth had gone to the statue of his father to check on the runes and restore the magic, disbelief went on the village upon seeing him. The vampires tried to talk to him, but he said not a word to them, then went back to the castle.

After he had gone to court, Ruma had left with Merebelle and had gone to Diagon alley before school started, saying she had friends to meet. Merebelle was also angry with him, but mostly because she had been worried about his health.

''Where's Danyck?'' Asked Lazarus as they were standing in the garden.

Seth picked a lavender flower from the garden and smelled it. It reminded him of Monica.

''He stayed in Miami.'' Answered Seth simply.

''I see. What are you planning to do, now?'' Asked Lazarus.

Seth noticed Lazarus kept looking at his throat, then at the ground, clenching his jaw.

''Lazarus. Do you want my blood?'' Asked Seth.

By asking the question, he was giving his consent, and it did not take a second more that Lazarus's eyes went black, and he grabbed the hand Seth was offering and bit into his wrist. Relief went through Lazarus and Seth could feel it. He could not help but feel the power it gave him, just like every time he had given his blood back in Miami, and one of many reasons he did so. The feeling was addicting and he could not drop everything he did back there. He had come to terms in what he liked, and this was no different. He offered his blood not only to satisfy Lazarus, but also himself.

Lazarus stopped and licked the wrist to close the wound, then grabbed Seth by the collar before kissing him deeply, shoving his tongue inside his mouth and nibbling on his lips. Seth kissed him back, placing his hands in Lazarus's hair, dropping the flower he had been holding.

After a moment, they broke apart.

''Thank you, Nin Aran.'' Said Lazarus. ''Morgulben, thank you.''

''I…'' Began Seth before feeling a presence going through his wards. A dark and powerful aura which only could mean Tom. ''Lazarus, Tom has come back.''

They went back inside the castle and to the living room. Seth barely had time to dodge the coming curse and the wall behind him was blasted off. Tom had a hood on, and Seth only saw red eyes in the darkness.

''Stop it, Tom!'' Said Seth.

''I'M NOT THAT NAME ANYMORE!'' Yelled the dark lord in parseltongue as he fired other curses.

Seth dodge the curses and Lazarus left the room.

''Don't make me make the wards blast you off this island, V!'' Hissed Seth in warning.

He had just renewed every inch of his island's wards and magic. Everything was his again and not even Tom could bring them down without proper ritual and time.

Voldemort stopped, but his white wand was still pointed at Seth.

''You dare confront me? You dare think you can defend those miserable vermin and attack me?'' Hissed Voldemort.

Seth frowned as he never said he would openly attack him, but then, knowing now that those wizards who had the mark on their arm most likely reported to him and two of them had always hated him: Avery and Rosier. He kept wondering about Abraxas…

''No. I never said I would attack you.'' Said Seth, noticing blood was dripping from Voldemort's left hand. ''And it does not seem like I could anyway. Our blood pact still stands.''

The Dark Lord removed his hood and Seth flinched at his old friend's appearance. It was as if he had not eaten in months. Not only was his skin looking flaky, but he had hollow cheeks, and he barely had any hair on his head. His hands were white and bony. But no matter his appearance, one thing was sure, he had dwelled into deep and powerful dark magic. His soul had been shattered many more times and he wondered what was left of his sanity. Attacking him like he just did and let his hand bleed like it was nothing was an indicator of madness.

''Perhaps… '' Said Voldemort softly as he made steps towards Seth. He then placed his bloody hand on Seth's face, who tried to move away but noticed he could not. ''You'd want a taste of me then?''

Seth had not even noticed the silent spell freezing him in place and the strong smell of magical blood right in front of him made him shiver.

He would not be weak in front of him, and he surely would never let Tom get the best of him. He gathered his magic and poured it around him in a single flow which broke the freezing spell and he hit Tom's hand away from his face. He then pushed him away before wiping the blood from his face with his sleeve.

''Don't. You will not control me. And if you think you can still be my friend after what you have done to Greengrass which resulted into my parent's deaths, you can forget it!'' Said Seth angrily.

Voldemort cocked his head to the left.

''What are you talking about?'' Asked Voldemort.

''Don't be pretentious. I remembered the drawing you made in school and how it was on Emmanuel Greengrass's arm. He had drunk vampire's blood! For fuck's sake, T…'' Seth sighed. ''V, only you, and my parents knew about it when he attacked. How much it gave power… Somehow, I think you knew what could happen, and it resulted in their deaths, thus making me King. Since we made the blood pact, and that I did consider you a friend back then, you thought you could use me, and the vampires?'' Ended Seth with a shaking voice.

''Should have known only you could make that deduction and it be true.'' Said Voldemort with a smile. ''Having stupid human emptions only renders you weak.''

Seth closed his eyes in defeat. A small part of him wished it had been all just a coincidence.

''All your followers… have now that mark upon their arms. I know who they are… I can feel the dark aura on that mark.'' Said Seth.

''Oh, really? Are you going to tell on me, now?'' Asked Voldemort with a baby tone. ''I know who you care about, should I do something about it?'' He added coldly.

Seth's heart sank. Who was the man in front of him?

''Leave.'' Said Seth darkly. ''Never come back here.''

''Hm, pleasantry aside.'' Said Voldemort, moving a hand in the air as if it dismissed whatever Seth had said. ''I do want you with me, Seth. I still want to give you muggles at your feet and blood baths every morning. Wasn't that what you had in Miami? You could have it here, too. I am already more than halfway in winning this war.''

Seth blinked. How someone could be all menacing and suddenly bribing took him off guard.

''Why don't you think about it?'' Added Voldemort after Seth stayed silent. ''After all… min na- laka, baw?''

Voldemort apparated away and the dark aura left with him. Seth seemed to breath easier. Voldemort's magic had been suffocating.

''So, it was his fault we lost your parents?'' Said Lazarus after entering the living room.

''Yes… I'm I suppose to just forgive and forget everything? Is that what vampires want, Lazarus?'' Asked Seth to his long-time advisor.

''No.''

OoOoO

September 1st, 1971

Ruma entered the Hogwarts Express behind Lucius Malfoy. Merebelle waved her good-bye behind. Lucius confidently strode towards a compartment, then stopped and turned around.

''Ruma. You'll have to sit somewhere else for now. And you should also stop that butterfly charm, you'll get the wrong attention.'' Said Lucius.

Butterflies made out of paper were flying around her head. She liked charms so bad she could not help herself. She made a sad face before stopping the charm with her new wand, her father's wand, now hers. The papers faded in the air.

''Ok. I'll go find one then.'' Answered Ruma. ''See you later… oh, Lucy, can I sit beside you at the dinner table once at Hogwarts?''

''You could if you are in Slytherin.'' Said Lucius.

Ruma rolled her eyes and hissed in parseltongue before walking away. Lucius shivered and clenched his jaw. He had heard only one other man speak that tongue in his home. Lord Voldemort. When he inquired about Seth and that he could not be found, the lord got angry and spoke parseltongue. He had not brought back the matter and his father told him to never speak to Ruma about it. He closed the door to his compartment and hoped Ruma would know how to behave, which she should, having been raised by Dumont, which was a prestigious pureblood French family. He had at least observed that at the many soirées his father had organised.

He had a feeling his father wanted him to court Ruma when she would be fifteen. He had not seen his godfather for several years, and his father told him Dumbledore managed to get him back in England. Seth's status was undecided with the ministry, but everything seemed to lean towards a full pardon. From what his father implied, there were too many in the ministry that held Seth in very high esteem, and Lucius knew he meant the Dark Lord, or so he thought.

OoOoO

Ruma moved her hand in the air like plane, feeling the magic all around her. The students looked at her weirdly but if they only knew what she could feel, they would do the same. She stopped at the last one, where a little boy was reading a book. She could feel the moon's energy all over him. She was excited and sad at the same time. That boy was a werewolf, that, she was sure.

She went in and sat in front of him. He lowered his book.

''Hi! My name is Ruma. Are you a first year too?'' Asked Ruma.

''Uh, yes. My name's Remus Lupin.'' Said Remus.

Oh. The Lupin boy who became a werewolf at the age of four because of Greyback. She remembered because Merebelle had been very angry towards Fenrir, saying he had tarnished many creatures reputation that day. Even as a Veela, Merebelle had it harder in London than in Africa. When Ruma asked if they could go to Africa, Merebelle did not know if she could, and she did ask Lazarus who did not think Seth would want her away from the island.

Lazarus had been angry the minister branded his hand again. He had sworn he would get revenge one day, and now that her father had come back, who knows what would happen.

''Very nice to meet you! Do you know anything about Hogwarts?'' Asked Ruma.

She had read everything already, and even going through many of her father's books when he had gone to school. It fascinated her that he could be so good in runes and spells, and completely bonkers in potions. His notes had been very funny in the margins of his potion book.

''Yeah… my parents went there.'' Said Lupin.

Another student opened the compartment door.

''Yo, Vulken. Have you eaten any students yet?'' Said Sirius Black before sitting beside Lupin and wanting to shake his hand.

''What do you exactly take me for?'' Asked Ruma.

On a very few occasions, she went to those pureblood gatherings and saw the Black family. It was only twice per year, but that were the only time she interacted with Sirius, or any cousins or related important wizard…

Lupin shook Black's hand and Sirius looked back at her with a smug smile.

''A giant slimy snake. We all know you will end up in that dark house.'' Said Sirius.

''There's nothing wrong with Slytherin. Each houses only show dominant traits of your personality.'' Said Ruma.

''Well, you don't get a choice with that tongue of yours.'' Replied Sirius.

''I happen to have ambitions about protecting my father's nation. Do you have any goals in life except tormenting me already?'' Said Ruma, slightly annoyed.

''Y-you are Ruma Vulken?'' Asked Lupin.

''Yes.'' Answered Ruma.

''The snake's heir in person.'' Replied Sirius.

Somehow, Ruma doubted Lupin minded. His father had made great changes for magical creatures and helped the werewolf community by giving them a place to gather safely near Meadowfields.

''Why does it bother you that much, Sirius? I didn't do anything to you.'' Said Ruma.

''Yet.''

Ruma rolled her eyes and someone else entered their compartment.

''Hi. I'm James Potter. Can I sit here?'' Asked the messy-haired boy.

''Sure!'' Said both Sirius and Ruma at the same time.

''Great stuff!'' Replied James before taking place beside Ruma.

Sirius continued to taunt her along the ride but had great affinity with James. Their conversation went to Quidditch while Lupin and her spoke quietly about school.

OoOoO

In the middle of the afternoon, Seth waited in Dumbledore's office, sitting in front of his desk, and eyeing the flying artefacts. It was only the first day of school, and he had not dared write a message to warn him. Besides, the school's entity had let him in easily. Magic always fascinated him.

Seth heard Dumbledore's heartbeat and felt his aura going up the staircase, and since the headmaster could feel auras, albeit differently, he knew it was with mild surprise he entered his office.

''Mr. Vulken! How… Why… ?'' Began Albus before sitting at his desk.

''Albus. I made a mistake.'' Said Seth, looking at the headmaster as he sat at his desk.

''Oh, that I don't doubt a second. We all do.'' Said Albus. ''Everything lies in the gravity of them.''

Seth turned his blood pact between his fingers. Is that the turn he wanted to go to? Allying with Dumbledore? Protect Ruma?

'I know who you care about, should I do something about it?'

Voldemort's words echoed in his head.

''He came to see me, a day after court. His followers had already reported to him, but still managed to distort my words. Do you… do you know if Tom uses a mark of sorts?'' Asked Seth.

Dumbledore made a grave look and joined hands.

''He does. A skull with a snake protruding from its mouth. It's been called the dark mark, and he uses an incantation to bring it in the skies when murders happen. It is scaring people upon seeing it.'' Said Dumbledore. ''The ones who follow him are called Deatheaters.''

Seth tsked. From Knights of Walpurgis to Deatheaters. He shook his head.

''I see… I… I believe the ones I care about could be in danger. That would be Merebelle and Ruma.'' Said Seth.

''Well… seeing as they are both coming here…''

''Both?'' Asked Seth.

''Oh, I guess miss Dumont did not tell you? She is now the history teacher. Mr. Binns is gladly going through walls anytime.'' Explained the Headmaster. Seth nodded. ''You still haven't answered my first questions.''

''Hogwarts let me in.'' Said Seth.

''Well, I can see that. You are no threat and never had been. My artefacts are not even reacting to your presence, nor had any of my spells. Did you know there are heavy wards all around the school?'' Asked Dumbledore.

''Yeah... I can feel them alright. Hogwarts may be letting me in, but it seems you still have some power over her.'' Said Seth.

''Glad to know. What mistake are we exactly talking about?'' Said Dumbledore.

Seth took a deep breath before speaking. It would set his fate.

''I can't hurt him, Albus. I have once made… the same mistake as you did with Grindelwald.'' Said Seth, showing his right hand where the blood red ring shone.

Dumbledore stood up, disbelieving.

''No… you… how? When?''

''Before he left Europe.'' Reassured Seth. ''When we were young… he was afraid of me. I knew too much about him and he was not able to kill me if he wanted to because of my abilities, and influence probably. To prove him he did not have to be afraid of me… as a friend… and because I did care about him, I promised I would never kill him. Since he can't kill me too, he might very well use the ones I do care about. He was the one responsible for the death of my parents already.'' Said Seth.

''Your parents? I thought it was Emmanuel Greengrass the responsible.'' Said Dumbledore.

Seth stood up and went to Fumseck.

''What I am about to tell you, shall never be repeated to anyone, ever. Do I have your word?'' Asked Seth.

''You do know its only words…''

Seth sighed. Of course, he knew it was only words, but at this point, he had to trust one person, and not use magic to bind that person.

''Albus.'' Warned Seth before adding a swear.

''If there's one to keep secrets… yes, yes, I will.'' Said Albus.

''Vampire blood… even in small quantity, and drank by a wizard, will give the abilities of a vampire for a short period of time. That is how my parents died. Because Tom told Emmanuel how to kill vampires, and that was to be a wizard with vampire powers, or be… just like me, just like I had made Grindelwald, or even Corban.'' Said Seth with a sad tone.

''You are truly alone then.'' Said Dumbledore.

That statement meant more than one thing, and Seth was impressed the Headmaster understood him more than he thought. He scratched Fumseck's neck and took a deep breath.

''I feel… useless and broken. I can't even tell you anything about Voldemort, apart perhaps…'' Said Seth as he gathered his thoughts and tried to feel if the blood pact would react to what he was going to say. ''If you would confront him, you would not be able to kill him.''

''I beg your pardon?'' Said Dumbledore.

Seth turned around and faced the headmaster.

''You can't kill Tom by normal means, Albus. He destroyed his soul!'' Said Seth before moaning in pain as the blood pact sent lightning pain throughout his body.

It stopped quickly, but Seth now knew what he must not talk about… Tom's souls. Dumbledore looked defeated.

''His soul...'' Muttered Dumbledore, closing his eyes briefly, understanding the gravity of what he had just learned. ''I did remove the books some time after he left Hogwarts, and some were missing. I'm guessing you would know more, but judging how your blood pact reacted, you can't say more.''

Seth clenched his jaw and shook his head. He knew what his Horcruxes were, maybe not all of them, but the places where he would have placed them? No. Had he made six horcruxes yet? Perhaps… since he barely felt any humanity the last time they met.

''I'm sorry.'' Said Seth after a moment. Dumbledore looked at Seth, frowning. ''About… Grindelwald. Your friends…''

The day he lost Corban. Seth swallowed with difficulty.

''Don't be sorry. We both lost that day. Even if his methods were not right, he proved the system was wrong for many wizards and witches followed his ideas still, even after… after everything. I, myself, fell to those ideas. Even the changes he made in my back were something I approved of and never saw it coming… even if I was very suspicious.'' Said Dumbledore.

Seth sat in the stairs. He joined hands and made a long sigh.

''The vampires will not join Voldemort.'' Said Seth, changing the subject. ''I bluffed in court. Well, kind of… but, they won't forgive the ministry again. I want you to remove their branding and let them do what they want in the wizarding world.''

''You want me to? I don't have all the power…'' Began Dumbledore.

''For Slytherin's damn sakes, Albus! They were all looking at you whenever they had to take a decision about me! Jenkins kept sending you glances every damn seconds! Even after I spoke up and made them understand in their tiny brains what I did for them!'' Said Seth. He stood up and went to the door. ''If you don't do it in the next few weeks… I will get in the ministry and burn the department of mysteries!''

He opened the door and …

''Seth.'' Said Dumbledore. Seth stopped and looked at him. ''I'm glad you are here.''

''I'm not… I wish I was still in that red sofa, not thinking about him.'' Muttered Seth.

''Teach the children.'' Said Albus.

''What?'' Asked Seth.

''I don't have a defense against the dark arts teacher and the ministry will provide one next week… Teach the students… make them know they can believe in themselves and not into a man that only wants power.'' Said Albus.

Seth stood in the doorway, half-out, half-in and looked at Albus in disbelief. He had no plans, no goals, and here Dumbledore was offering him something he could do, something he could believe in.

''Teach them… my way?'' Asked Seth carefully.

Dumbledore smiled fondly and nodded.

''The only way I would expect you to do so, Seth.'' Answered the Headmaster.

Venthyr translation

''Min na- laka, baw?

''We are equals, no?''