The purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 37 Return
August 7th, 1971
Dumbledore bit his cheek after sending away Minerva from his office. It had been difficult to get to the muggleborns this year. The ministry was working against him, even if that was not the minister's intentions. Obviously, the education departments had spies for Tom. Tsk, who was he kidding? There was now spies everywhere.
He sat in his chair and rubbed his temples. Ever since Seth had lost Corban, he had not been found. His nation had crumbled, and every vampire had been branded again. No vampires had been allowed in the ministry, except for Brian and Vincent, and the ones who had businesses in London had left the country or were on Vulken's island. The only other vampire he knew was William in Gringotts. Greisha and Darthael had reluctantly went back on the island too. Another vampire rebel named Donovan had stayed quiet for a time, but still caused trouble every now and then.
He looked at the students list in front of him, eyeing each name, and knowing something would be going on in the next seven years. For one, Seth's daughter would be attending school, and she was a Slytherin's heir.
Just like Tom.
Just like Seth.
Muggles were dying in terms of hundreds every week, caused by none other than Tom and his henchmen. Muggles were scared. Wizards were scared. Trying to hide their world was proving difficult and the aurors were submerged from every side. They needed more allies. The other states had their own problems, and they won't intervein, except from a few rebels.
Riddle's forces were growing, and his own, not enough. He needed to give a good reason for joining forces and beside murders being wrong, he grew short of reasons. The ministry had not helped their cause, pushing werewolves, veelas, and even vampires away all this time…
It would be easy to join Riddle. So easy.
At what cost?
Just like before, Grindelwald had tried to make a revolution from the bad system the MACUSA had made. It had been wrong, from both sides. Now, he knew it was the exact same thing.
Riddle could not be found anyway. He could not stop him alone. He knew something was wrong with him as he had tried to be the new teacher of defense against the dark arts. He also knew he had cursed the position… for he had lost every teacher 3 years in a row at the end of each year for weird reasons. There was just a few weeks left to find a teacher.
Trying to protect the students… no, everyone in this castle, would be even harder each year. All the children… all of whom have… deatheaters as parents.
Dumbledore rubbed his temples harder.
What could he do more? Who could he get to stop Riddle?
He joined hands over his chin, his eyes fixated on the name Ruma Vulken.
Seth had forgotten his daughter. Hadn't he? She was being cared by Merebelle Dumont. At least, he knew Ruma had had most likely a nice childhood.
But vampires were on that island.
His thoughts swirled around, and he sighed. Losing vampire's loyalty had been disastrous. Could he find a way to make Seth come back? He always found Seth had a good side… Thirty years ago, he still remembered how Seth tried to help everyone from every houses, and never answering to bullies, even to Tom. He had killed Grindelwald with just a word…
What could he possibly give Seth to make him come back?
His daughter?
His nation?
Ones he once cared about?
Had he lost Seth, when he should have gone after him?
Grindelwald's stare still haunted his nightmares, just like the broken heart he had seen in Seth.
Do you come back from this pain?
No…
Maybe?
His heart skipped a beat. His eyes became wet. His throat filled and he swallowed with difficulty.
His fingers moved to letters on his desk, rubbing on one he had received a few weeks ago from his long friend Nicholas Flamel.
No, I do not know where he is. My heart ache, not knowing what he is doing to himself. If you can find a reason to make him come back… let me know.
N. Flamel.
A reason to move on. A reason to live on. Shouldn't his daughter be enough?
OoOoO
August 12th, Miami, Calder Casino
Bare-chested, Seth laid in a large red sofa. Two women vampires were feeding on his arms as his head was laid back, eyes closed, and not thinking of anything. As he always tried to do. To feel nothing else than pleasure, day after day, hour after hour, second… after second.
He filled his thoughts with the memories of others, taking their blood until their life became his own. He killed… when necessary. Doing the deeds for a famous mafia man and getting rid of every man he wanted gone. Obliviating or using his magic and his knowledge in runes so no one from the wizarding world could find him. There were none in Miami anyway.
The Americans were too dumb to recognize his work too, minding their own business and recover from Grindelwald's system. It had taken two years to find the right way to obliviate the population. Using the venom of a swooping evil, again, and all make the whole two years of Grindelwald's rule be a memory. Occasionally, you could find muggles that did remember and had not been touched by the venom, but speaking of anything would not do any good as no one believed them. Humans always tried to forget the unnatural…
Well, that was the beauty of magic, it could be hidden so easily, when you really wanted to, or needed to.
The mafia man did not care. He gave Seth everything he wanted, and everyone shut their mouths, or died if they did not.
Danyck sat in a nearby sofa, just as red as the others. A cigarette between his fingers, he stayed alert for Seth at every single moment. He was his guardian. No one was allowed near Seth, or allowed to talk to him, in any circumstances, unless he said so.
He knew when Seth would need to feed or when the drugs would stop, in which case he made a muggle take extasy, or now even meth, and then bring him to Seth to feed on.
He turned Seth's wand between his fingers, sometimes using his telekinesis to make it float around. The steady heartbeats around him often made him go drowsy, and this was a late night where you could also hear the loud music as Seth had forgotten to place a silent charm on the walls. Not that he cared much.
He suddenly felt something wrong. Something he had not felt for a very long time. A powerful magical core was nearby. He eyed Seth who was long gone in his mind, having fed not long ago on a very intoxicated muggle. When those females vampires also fed on him afterwards, you could very well think Seth was not even there.
Maybe it was nothing. That wizard would go away… right? It was just a coincidence, and wizards could, after all, wander in muggle places anytime in the world. Yes? But that powerful… Ugh.
''Something wrong, sir?'' Asked Rob, one of the mafia's man henchmen.
Danyck rolled his eyes. Rob had been known to be nervous around vampires and anything that Danyck or Seth did, like frowning, and he would start asking questions.
''No.'' Said Danyck, although he might regret what he just said.
He felt the aura come closer to the building, then actually entering it. Although he could feel magical auras, he could not know whom they belonged to, like Seth did. He eyed Seth again. The two women vampires stopped drinking from Seth then began caressing him.
''Seth.'' Tried softly Danyck through thoughts.
No answer.
Seth never harmed him in any way. He had felt his sorrow like never he would have thought possible when Corban died. It had hurt so badly inside his own mind that day… and it had never gone away, until Seth had actually began taking drugs. Then Seth had blocked his thoughts when he had been able to, and had cut himself from everything and everyone, including him. The only time he spoke through thoughts had been right before he grabbed him from the ministry of magic, because he had been detained by the aurors after the events of July 1964. He had not been able to speak to him through thoughts since then. Today was no different.
Danyck began to shake his leg in apprehension. What if that wizard was there to harm Seth? He squished his cigarette in the ashtray beside him and began pacing the room.
''Something is wrong. Should we seek someone or something, sir?'' Asked Rob.
Danyck stopped walking.
''There is someone who entered the casino. Maybe you could check the cameras. Look for… possibly a man, dressed weirdly… a robe perhaps. Quickly.'' Ordered Danyck.
''Yes, sir.'' Said Rob before going out of the room.
Danyck heard Seth moan: the women were stroking him, and it somehow bothered him this time.
''Glenn ed-'' Said Danyck with light disgust.
The female stopped, looking at Danyck with confusion.
''What?'' Asked one of them with disbelief.
''You were not actually talking to us, were you?'' Asked the other.
Danyck hissed. There were six other gunmen in the room who all stayed silent, only there to defend Seth and Danyck at all cost, and obey them without question.
''I did. Leave. NOW.'' Ordered Danyck.
One of them growled, but nonetheless went to kiss deeply Seth who did not seem to react much before they both left, their purse in hand and a mean look at Danyck. Once the door closed though, Seth opened his eyes. His body was on fire and his heartbeat was fast. Very fast.
''Why are they gone?'' Asked Seth as he moved his cock back in his pants.
Before Danyck could answer, Seth felt it. It was unmistakable.
Dumbledore.
''There's a wi…'' Began Danyck but Seth quickly grabbed a blue shirt and put it on without buttoning it. ''You know who it is then?''
Seth shook his head, a palm on his face. The room was turning. Dark thoughts began to creep back. He grunted and gritted his teeth. He needed a drink. He eyed the bottles of wine on the table and swallowed half the contents of one.
''Damn it. How did he find me?'' Said Seth to himself.
''Is it a matter of concern, sir?'' Asked one of the gunmen.
Seth laughed, long and hard. The drugs made him euphoric from a situation where he should not be laughing. He finished the rest of the bottle.
''Guns down. You… can't touch him.'' Said Seth when he stopped laughing.
Dumbledore was making his way here. Seth knew Albus could also feel auras. He thought about his blood for a moment. How he had not had magical blood for a long while… He laughed again.
''Do you… want a sobering potion?'' Asked Danyck.
There had been emergency potions in a special locked box in a corner. There to be should he ever need to have all his senses back, but the perspective of feeling pain again did not bode well. As for the whole bottle of wine he had just ingested… he may as well throw up already.
''Maybe…'' Said Seth softly before making a sigh. ''But no... for the pain though, yes.''
Danyck made his way to the box and unlocked it before taking a bright blue potion and closing the box again. He gave it to Seth and a knock on the door was heard.
The gunmen stayed still, looking at Seth and waiting for instructions.
''Do not say a thing. Do not move no matter what happens.'' Ordered Danyck. ''Do I make myself clear?''
''Yes, sir!'' Said the gunmen.
Danyck walked to the door after giving Seth his wand. Seth chugged the blue potion as Danyck opened the door.
''… Dumbledore.'' Said Danyck in a mild surprised voice.
''Danyck. I'm sorry, I would call you by your last name, but I'm afraid I was never informed…'' Began Dumbledore.
''Vulken. I was born on the island.'' Replied Danyck dryly.
''Yes. Yes, of course. Mr. Vulken. Can I… come in?'' Asked Dumbledore.
Danyck pursed his lips but opened the door wider. Albus thanked Danyck and stepped in, before an empty potion flask shattered at his feet.
''Very mature, Mr. Vulken.'' Said Albus as Danyck closed the door behind.
Albus moved his wand with a light touch and the glass shard repaired themselves and he waved his wand again to place the flask on a nearby shelf. Danyck lit up another cigarette and went to sit again on the red chair.
''How did you find me?'' Asked Seth before concentrating on not throwing up.
Albus held his hands together, his wand between fingers. Ah… ready to fight.
''Oh. Should I reveal my secrets to you?'' Asked Dumbledore.
Seth licked his lips.
''There are a few rituals. One of them requires a living family member.'' Said Seth, implying about his daughter Ruma. ''I would like to think you would never hurt her… or use her, but you always liked using people for your own good anyway.''
''Do you know what year this is?'' Asked Dumbledore.
Seth stayed silent. He had no idea, since he never looked at the time, nor did he ever need to. The door was opened, and Rob came in, his heart thumping furiously. He pointed a gun towards Dumbledore.
''Sir! I'm sorry, sir! I saw him on the cameras and making his way here… I…'' Began Rob.
''You can leave, Rob. Or stay here like the others, I don't care. Close the door behind you.'' Said Seth.
Rob hesitated a second before closing the door and going back to his spot, not without eyeing Albus weirdly.
''You want this conversation to be among muggles?'' Asked Albus.
Seth laughed again for a long and embarrassing time.
''Why not? Let the whole world know about this grand visit you are making here. Magic, wizards, vampires, ooh!'' Said Seth, rolling his eyes. ''No one will believe anything you say.''
''Your daughter will be going to Hogwarts at the end of the month.'' Said Albus without flinching.
1971.
For seven years he had stayed here, doing nothing, and drowning his pain away. It could have been twenty years or a hundred, he did not think it would make a difference. He closed his eyes, seeing Corban's face and him dying in his arms. Damn Dumbledore. Damn it all...
''Why should I care? I have not been there for so long, she does not remember me and I'm sure Merebelle is doing a fine job as her mom.'' Said Seth childishly.
Albus made a sad face.
''Her doing a fine job is really not the issue.'' Said Dumbledore.
Not the issue?
''What do you mean?'' Asked Seth.
''You don't read news from England, do you?'' Asked Dumbledore.
''No.''
Albus looked at the floor, then around him, before looking at Seth again.
''Seth. Tom Riddle has come back to England. He is violent and destructive. He wants the whole ministry to crumble down and make it his own. Hundreds of muggles die every now and then and many wizards fall at his mercy.'' Said Albus in a serious tone.
Seth blinked. Tom had come back? To bring down the ministry?
Seth laughed again, then took another wine bottle and drank a lot from it.
''Why should I even care? Vampires were branded by your ministry, and I am sure they will gladly join his forces and wipe down England as you know it. If anything, perhaps I should come there and help him make an even bigger blood bath, don't you think?'' Asked Seth.
''You really stopped caring? And here I do remember how you defended every wizards and witches, every magical blood, no matter where they came from, and you would let a man destroy all this? Destroy your village? Perhaps, even hurt your own daughter for his own gain?'' Asked Albus, with a hint of hope in his voice.
''Why do you keep mentioning my daughter? Tom would not hurt her for the simple fact that she is Slytherin's heir!'' Said Seth.
''You don't know that. Tom's ambitions and thirst of power could make him do anything, including hurting your daughter. You don't know how your daughter is. How she would perceive the war around her. You would let her become a killer? And hurt families… her soul?'' Said Albus.
A tick appeared over Seth's mouth.
''War?''
''Yes. War. It has been going on for just over a year, now.'' Said Albus.
Seth stayed there, unmoving, deep in thoughts. He had hidden in Miami to forget everything and not feel a thing. He had not wanted to grieve, for the pain had been unbearable. Could he continue like this? Forever like this, as the world changed around him. Dumbledore had aged while he still stayed the same. No one knew just how long he could live… perhaps he was immortal like his parents were. He needed a reason to move on, and now his previous Headmaster was trying to give him a reason. Should his daughter be enough? Should he come back to England and go in this war? What about his people? His chained nation, once again? They would not side with wizards, that, he was sure. They would never forgive the ministry again, but would they forgive him for leaving? A violent headache began in his mind. He winced and stumbled back into the couch.
When Seth spoke again, it was with more seriousness. Danyck let out a puff of smoke in the air, shaking his leg again nervously.
''Why me, Albus? You know the ministry won't accept me back for all the things I've done. My own nation will never side with the ministry after what they've endured, yet again.'' Said Seth softly.
No matter what he had answered, Albus seemed to relax, as if his answer had been a victory. Albus made a step forward, looking even more hopeful.
''Leave that to me. In this urgency… any allies are welcome, and arrangements can go so far.'' Said Albus.
''Albus… what exactly do you expect of me?'' Asked Seth.
Seth turned his blood pact ring between his fingers. He knew he could never confront Tom, nor bring him to his demise in any way. He was not sure he could even say anything about how to actually… kill him.
''Defend the magical community, and your nation. But above everything else… to see your daughter again. I do have something in mind… that would greatly improve the situation we are in.'' Said Albus.
Seth closed his eyes. Nightmares would come to haunt him every second of every day.
''I don't want to go.'' Mumbled Danyck through thoughts.
It probably had not been his intention, but Seth had heard Danyck in his mind.
''You can stay if you want. I'm sure the drug lord will be just as happy to have you.'' Answered Seth which startled Danyck and made him jump in his seat.
''I need… time.'' Mumbled Seth.
''Should I expect your return in the next few days? I will warn the minister and…'' Began Dumbledore.
''Albus. I have not grieved yet.'' Said Seth, dismissing the headmaster.
He also was high on drugs and drunk. Albus made a nod of understanding, then made a few step back as a gunman was opening the door for him.
''Are you leaving us, sir?'' Said Rob to Seth.
Seth did not answer. The next few days would be the worst he ever had since Corban's death. But it was necessary, for he could not make clear decisions if his mind was clouded by drugs and happy thoughts.