The Purpose, Rewritten, Chapter 47 Chocolate Frog card
''It's me.'' Said Severus.
Oh.
Ruma got up quickly and wiped her eyes before opening the door.
''Come in.''
She closed the door behind him. Severus went to sit on her bed, and noticed a golden snitch in her hand.
''Merebelle said I should come back another day. Does this thing with vampires often happen?'' Asked Severus.
''You mean them losing control like that? I've only seen Keith do that…'' Answered Ruma as she sat beside him. ''The others are not like that, and Muggles used to be happier.''
She let go of the snitch and it slowly flew beside her. The butterflies she normally had flying around her were not there.
''Used to be?'' Wondered Severus.
''Yeah. There was not as much fluctuation of my father's magic back then, before he was gone. The magic of the island dimmed. Merebelle tried to help, and we went to the village almost every day. But she could not touch the orb.'' Explained Ruma.
''The orb?'' Frowned Severus again.
''There's an orb in the village. My father simply touches it and pours his magic inside.''
''Your father is amazing.'' Muttered Severus.
''No, really.'' Sighed Ruma with sarcasm. She sighed and let herself fall on her bed. ''Believe me, I know that. I don't need one of my friends to boast about it.''
''Well, he's an incredible teacher. I felt he wanted to show us more, but we were so limited in time.'' Said Severus. ''What's with the snitch?''
''My father's. He was the Slytherin seeker thirty years ago. He won every single time he played.''
''Now look who's boasting.'' Laughed Severus, and Ruma chuckled too.
''Yeah.'' A moment of silence passed. ''So, are we going to talk about how you just saw Lazarus attack Keith, and you're fine with it?'' Said Ruma.
''I-I don't know. You were so fast…, and you grabbed me. Then, when you saw Lazarus, you immediately calmed down, even if he… had those black eyes, and I could feel it. I knew it would be fine. I saw Rosanne, though, before I went to see you. She said something about her father and hurried to pack and leave.'' Said Severus.
''Well, that does not surprise me. Anyway, I'll make those Wiggenweld potion with Igor... If you absolutely have to go home. Perhaps he can show me some spells too.'' Said Ruma.
''Hey, I'd love that too!''
''Yeah. You want to hide in my closet?'' Laughed Ruma. Severus chuckled, and Ruma's stomach began to growl. ''Well, I'm hungry. Let's head to the kitchen.'' Decided Ruma.
Severus had stayed all summer and even went to Diagonalley with Igor and her. They were joined by Lily Evans and Rosanne where they all bought their books and new wardrobe. Seth had let them go since Igor was with them.
They spent the whole day there laughing, eating ice cream, and spending every penny they were allowed to. They stopped at the broom shop where they encountered the four Gryffindors.
''Oh, Evans.'' Said James Potter. ''My father is buying me a broom this year. I'll apply as seeker. There's a spot open. You're going to watch the trials, right?''
''That's great, James. Sure, I will.'' Said Lily.
Ruma was eyeing the new broom, wondering if she should buy one too. Sirius went beside her and made a hissing sound.
''There's already a Vulken in the trophy room. Surely you don't think about tarnishing his name.'' Snickered Sirius.
''Even with my eyes closed, I'd be a better flyer than anyone. Besides, I don't think I could ever tarnish my father's name.'' Said Ruma.
She had known her Animagus form for so long already. She could not wait to try it soon, but Merebelle had warned her not to try before winter, since she still needed her magical core to grow. But she did try it slowly at first, like turning her fingers into claws, for starters.
Feathers here and there. She smiled, knowing it was the peregrine falcon, the fastest bird in the world.
''We'll see about that, snake.'' Said Sirius before joining Potter inside the store.
Remus waved at Ruma, and she waved back.
''Is that boy your friend?'' Asked Igor.
''Remus? Yeah, he's nice.''
''How about the one who called you snake?'' Asked Igor.
Ruma sighed and shook her head.
''Oh, don't bother.'' Said Ruma.
''Why would you let people treat you like that? Don't they know who you are?'' Asked Igor.
''Snakes are cool. It's not really an insult for me. Besides, I'm in Slytherin at Hogwarts.''
''He did insult you by saying you would tarnish Vulken's name.'' Said Igor.
Peter Pettigrew had lingered behind, listening to their conversation.
''Pettigrew. You should join your friends before being bitten.'' Said Severus.
Peter squeaked and went inside the store.
''Sev, don't scare Peter like that.'' Said Lily.
''This is getting boring. We should get back to the Leaky Cauldron.'' Said Rosanne.
It was getting dark and Ruma was hungry.
''Yeah… Let's head back. We'll see you tomorrow, Lily.'' Said Ruma.
''Sure thing. Have a good night!'' Said Lily.
The next day, Roma saw her father watching the students go inside the train.
''Why are you taking the train?'' Asked Ruma, before noticing wizards in uniforms.
Aurors.
''Are we in danger?'' She whispered.
''It's a precaution, Ruma. Get in.'' Said Seth.
When all the other students went in, Seth entered last. He checked every compartment, seeing only seven new young faces, the first years. There was one muggleborn. Normally, there should have been more than that. The students all greeted Seth as he passed.
Many seem relieved to see him, even if the war was not directed on the school. Many families were being hunted or threatened, and there was a constant stress as to what Voldemort would do next. Seth went to sit in the compartment where prefects would be joining soon, but Lucius was already there with Igor, and they were speaking about rituals that could enhance abilities.
Seth sat and took a pen and paper from his bag to schedule what he would teach for each year.
''It's supposed to give you strength for a few hours, but why use strength when we have magic to compete with muggles without showing the magic? Our history shows many wizards and witches, mostly witches, who were executed for doing so many unnecessary rituals.'' Said Lucius.
''Muggles tried to replicate them but died because the ritual took their life force instead of their magic.'' Said Igor.
Seth chuckled. Those two had become friends quite fast over the summer. Igor wanted to visit Hogwarts and enlarge his knowledge. Dumbledore had agreed, but Seth remained his responsibility and Igor had to be in his class. An hour later, the prefects and head prefects came in the room with them.
Lucius greeted them and explained what their duties were. Seth made a comment here and there, but Lucius was very precise, like he had always been, and the small reunion was done quickly. All left, even Lucius, wanting to be with his other friends.
''So, you must catch a lot of students at night.'' Said Igor.
''I do, but I did notice some students check my schedule, and when I'm supposed to be there during the night, it is pretty quiet. I had to randomly switch nights with other teachers to catch some of them off guard.'' Said Seth.
''Haha, clever!'' Laughed Igor.
An hour later after some random conversation with Igor, Seth felt something weird was happening, and it was confirmed as the train stopped when it was not supposed to.
Seth went quickly to see the driver, who was panicking as dozens of dementors were surrounding the first wagon. They could be seen through the windows hovering dangerously.
''He wouldn't do that.'' Said Seth angrily, wondering why Voldemort would attack students where deatheater's children would be.
The muggleborns, although, were placed in the front compartments.
''Do not open the locks and don't press any buttons!'' Ordered Seth.
He quickly went out the driver's compartment and on to the hallway, whispering under his breath.
''No, no… damn it, fuck.''
He wondered who even knew how to make the Patronus Charm. Last year, he had barely brushed the subjects with any students, being too busy gathering all the knowledge they actually had and going from there. As he ran to the other compartments, Ruma joined him in the corridors, slightly panicking.
''DAD!'' Whined Ruma, arriving in his arms. ''I've told everyone to lock their door and close the blinds! I-I don't know what else to do... I've never done the Patronus Charm!''
Seth knelt and placed both hands on her shoulders.
''You did great, but I need to concentrate.'' Said Seth softly. A shiver went through both of them as the dementor's presence began to infiltrate the train. ''I've never done the Patronus Charm in such conditions. I need you to listen very carefully. Think of your happiest thoughts for me. The formula is Expecto Patronum. Say it.''
''Expecto P-Patronum.'' Said Ruma.
''Again''
''Expecto Patronum.'' Said Ruma with slightly more conviction.
The Dementors began to breach the doors.
''Something happy.'' She repeated, holding her wand tightly in her hand.
Everything had become so quiet and unreal. One Dementor approached Seth, who turned around and stood up, clenching his jaw. He had plenty of wondrous, happy thoughts, like simply thinking of kissing Merebelle on his wedding day. He gathered his magic in his arms, ready. But first, he needed to know what they wanted.
''The wizards are under my protection. Why are you here and not in Azkaban?'' Asked Seth.
The sound the dementor made was like ghostly tightened wind.
''Sssso many… happiness... Unworthy… must even… the balance.''
His intentions were clear: They wanted the muggleborns.
''Leave, or be damned.'' Hissed Seth.
''He… will not sssstop. We want… immortal happiness.''
The Dementor reached to grab Seth, a putrid hand covered in sores.
Another Dementor came from behind.
''Dad, I'm scared.'' Whispered Ruma.
Something clicked in Seth's mind. No way in hell something would deprive him of his daughter.
''Expecto Patronum!" The words had been barely audible, but no more had been necessary.
A loud howl came from everywhere. A blinding light emanated from Seth. Waves of magic pulsed throughout the entire train, blasting the dementors away.
The magic held on for a long moment. Then all went dark, except for a giant spectral wolf marching in the hallway towards Seth. When it reached him, the wolf howled again and disappeared in a cloud of thousand glitters, vanishing in thin air. Seth laid out a big sigh and Ruma hugged him tightly.
''You're not gone. You didn't leave me. You're here. You're here.'' Ruma was softly crying, and Seth knew then what horror she had seen again because of the Dementors. The day he had left her, and never came back.
''I'm sorry.'' He hugged her back.
Students began to open the doors of the apartments, looking around.
''Did you see that wolf?''
''Was that Dementors?''
''Is there a teacher here?''
''Look, professor Vulken is here.''
''Did he save us?''
The train started again. The threat was gone. Sixth- and seventh-year students came to see him, not only to thank their teacher, but also because Seth asked the trolley lady for chocolates, and instructed the older students to distribute the sweets to everyone. No exception. He wrote a letter and gave it to the only owl onboard, that was faster than the train, to give his message to Dumbledore.
They would still only arrive five hours later. Ruma went back to her friends and Seth, with Igor again. He sat and closed his eyes for he was completely exhausted. His survival instincts had generated adrenaline, and he had used all he got that time.
''You are amazing.'' Said Igor. ''That was magic like I have never seen before and…'' A loud snore made him stop. ''You rest, dear Godfather.''
OoOoOo
Seth woke up as the train stopped. He made sure all students left safely, then went out only to be assaulted by Merebelle, who kissed him intensely.
''My hero. Thank you so much for being alive.'' Said Merebelle.
''Mr. Vulken, sir.'' Called Hagrid.
''All good, Hagrid...'' Said Seth.
His eyes wandered to the first year students going to the boats as their first ride to Hogwarts. Merebelle knew what Seth needed, and when no more students were beside the train, Seth took some blood from her. Only Igor witnessed the act, but he had seen him take from servants during the summer. Not that he looked away until Seth was done, then the lovers walked hand in hand to the last carriage.
''What is that creature?'' Asked Igor as they stopped in front of the Thestrals.
So, he had seen death? Probably his father, Sergei.
''Thestrals, the largest herd in Europe is here. They are like horses with wings. Only people who have seen death can see them.'' Explained Seth.
''Oh.'' Muttered Igor.
The carriage made its way to Hogwarts. They discussed the attack.
''They wanted the muggleborns?" Asked Merebelle.
''As I understood, yes, but...'' Said Seth.
''But what?'' Wondered Merebelle.
''I think they were after me, too.'' Said Seth darkly.
Merebelle blinked.
''It just can't be. You think Voldemort would send them to get you?'' She asked, frowning.
''No. I think they wanted to get the muggleborns like he told them to, but they were attracted to my soul for their own gain.'' Said Seth.
He had thought about it for a while. The dementor had said immortal happiness. Then again, dementors can be tricky to decipher.
''Vampires don't have souls, I believe, since they are not affected by the Dementors.'' Added Seth. ''And, I am the only one with a soul... Unless I count Danyck.''
Not having souls was part a reason why he thought vampires could be sometimes viscious creatures. They retained their human life, but did, many time, lose their humanity, just like Gellert did over time, or even his parents.
''Who's that?'' Asked Igor.
''You don't remember him... I guess you would have only seen him briefly. He is a muggle from my island that I turned into a vampire. From what I know, he is still in America.'' Said Seth.
''You don't have a link with him?'' Asked Merebelle.
''Not anymore. He could not handle my grieving for so long.'' Said Seth.
They stayed silent for the remaining of the way.
When Seth arrived in the Great Hall, the teachers and the students all stood up and clapped loudly, cheering and whistling. Merebelle laughed and kissed his cheek before clapping too. Seth smiled, and his heart grew with pride and joy. He walked to the front, thanking the people around him.
''Seth Vulken.'' Said Albus, after the clapping died down. ''We can't thank you enough for what you did. You saved a sister, a brother, a daughter, a son, a friend… Thank you.''
Seth turned towards the students.
''I will never stop saying that every man or woman with magic is worth living in this world, and I would do it again without hesitation. But this... this also showed me that you all need me more than ever. As your defense against the dark arts teacher for the many years to come, I hope to make a difference in your choices.'' His eyes were more insistent on the Slytherin table, where he saw some seventh-year students smirking at him.
Maybe he was too late for some, but not too late for others.
As the first years approached where he was standing, he saw the small Regulus Black, Sirius's brother, and he was glad he was placed in Slytherin with his daughter.
OoOoO
The next morning, during mealtime, a ministry owl dropped a package in front of Seth. After checking quickly for any curses or spells, where there was none, he opened it. Inside was a golden medal with an M engraved on it. The ribbon was green, meaning he had just received the Order of Merlin first class. There was also a letter and a chocolate frog card.
''Oh my goodness, a chocolate frog card! With you on it!'' Said Merebelle.
''Right. This is more impressive than that medal, right?'' Laughed Seth.
His image appeared on the card. His arms were crossed, and he was dressed in white, matching his hair and his crown shown on his head. He looked behind where his description was and read it.
Vampire King Seth Vulken, born in 1915 on Vulken's Isle.
Descendant of Slytherin and known for his duel against headmaster Davion Blackwell. He created the Vulkanis, which are orbs of light with a personality. Also known for ending Gellert Grindelwald, and being head of the international cooperation in the Ministry of Magic.
''Hmph, I created many rituals too, but I guess my Vulkanis were impressive.'' Said Seth with a hint of anger and sarcasm in his voice.
Merebelle grabbed the card from his hand.
''I know you are trying to avoid talking about G…'' Said Merebelle, interrupted by Seth's finger over her lips.
''Exactly.'' Said Seth in a softer tone.
She kissed his finger, and he moved it away.
''I'll see if I can speak with…''
''It's just a card.'' Dismissed Seth.
Merebelle bit her lip and let go of the matter.
''They finally realize what you are though.''
OoOoO
September 4th, 1972
During his classes, Seth began with the 7th year, and wanted it to be serious this time around.
''I worked hard last year so that no one would be left behind. This being your last year, and how war is upon us… I believe it will affect everyone once you are not protected from this school. To succeed in this class, you will need to be able to duel with me, like I did in Uagadou.''
''But Sir… we can't defeat you.'' Said Runcorn.
''I did not say you had to win… but be able to. There's a difference. Now, it has come to my attention that no one knew how to make a Patronus charm except for Mr. Creswell.'' Said Seth as he looked at a short, brown haired man with glasses.
His book had been conveniently opened on that charm, even if Seth had not spoken about it. But, he had written on the chalkboard his plan for the year and the Patronus charm was first on the list.
''My father works in Azkaban.'' Said Cresswell.
''I see. Has anything happened to your father?'' Wondered Seth, since a lot of dementors had fled the prison.
''Not… that I know of.'' Said the boy.
Seth thought Cresswell's father must be working for Voldemort then.
''Care to demonstrate the Patronus Charm to your classmates?'' Asked Seth.
''Sure, sir.'' Dirk stood up with his wand in his hand. He concentrated for a few moments. ''Expecto Patronum!'' Said Dirk.
An eagle sprouted out of his wand and made a soft cry. It flew around the classroom for a minute and then disappeared in thin air.
''Ten points for Slytherin. That was great, Mr. Cresswell. Your father can be proud of you.'' Said Seth.
''Thank you, sir.''
''We will be practicing the Patronus charm for three weeks only. It has its perks, but also could be dangerous to cast. Can anyone tell me why?'' Asked Seth. Only Dirk raised his hand. ''Go on.''
''The Patronus Charm can only be summoned with positive happiness. It does not have to be a real memory, but you have to feel that happiness.'' Said Dirk.
''Good. Explain that positive happiness further.'' Said Seth in a serious tone.
They had to face the reality of their choices. Dirk cleared his throat. The attention was on him.
''I mean… something with friends, with family, love, laughter, serenity.'' Said Dirk.
Seth nodded but clicked his tongue.
''You are right…, in a way. Let me rephrase my question with another query. Why can't Voldemort produce a Patronus charm?'' Asked Seth. Everybody stopped moving. You could have heard an insect fly. Seth walked between the desks. ''Not because he can't feel happiness... no, but because he would only have negative happiness. Torturing or murdering someone creates a high in your brain. False happiness, like any drugs used in the muggle world… believe me, I know. If that energy and feeling is used to create a Patronus charm, not only would it fail miserably, but it would kill you. Remember this deeply. My words have more than one meaning and a lesson you ought to remember. I would prefer 100 times you refrain from trying it, then harming yourself. If you even think for a moment of using your sadistic thoughts enter your magic, you can forget it. The dark arts are wide and exponential. They can be used for many good in this world, even the darkest of spell.''
''As if the death curse could be used for good.'' Smirked Rabastan and a few students close laughed with him.
Seth scared the boy as he placed abruptly his hands on his desk and was an inch from his face.
''What about ending the life of someone like Voldemort, who every day causes hundreds of deaths? Wouldn't it be just to end his life so you could save others?'' Hissed Seth.
''I-I guess sir.'' Stuttered Rabastan.
Seth backed away.
''You are all going to write 20 centimeters about the Patronus charm, and tell me one happy thought that could produce one.'' He ended his class on this note. Lucius lingered a bit behind. ''Something you need?'' Asked Seth cautiously.
''How were you able to produce a Patronus charm that powerful?'' Ask Lucius.
''Because I had something to protect at all costs. Are you able to have that to Lucius?'' Said Seth.
''Maybe one day.'' Answered Lucius.
''See you soon, then.''
''Yes, sir.'' Said Lucius, before leaving.
Seth felt that was not entirely what Lucius wanted. His next class was the six years, and it was pretty similar what he had showed the seventh year.
At least one student of every year had asked him to perform the Patronus Charm, which he gladly did.
''I do not expect you to be able to do it until your fifth year. Not because of lack of abilities, but more the lack of magical energy and concentration.'' Seth told the year 1 to 4. ''I will, however, follow what I had planned for the year. As you can see on this board, you can write it down. I am open for extra curriculum work if you need me.''
That last sentence he had said to everyone did not go into deaf ears. For even after the first week, dozens of students asked him to learn more spells than what was actually written for their year. He had to ask them to follow their current year's contents before looking for more.
One day, Remus Lupin stayed after class and approached him, looking dreadful. It was probably the full moon later that night.
''What can I do for you, Lupin?'' Asked Seth.
Remus took a deep breath and his nostrils flared as if he were smelling him.
''I..., I wonder if you can come with me tomorrow, sir?'' Asked Lupin quietly.
''That is an unusual request. Is there a particular reason?'' Asked Seth.
Remus hesitated.
''I..., he thinks you can help with the pain.'' Mumbled Remus.
''He? Your wolf counterpart?'' Asked Seth. Remus nodded. ''I see. I would have thought someone would tell you about it, but the pain would not be as severe if you accepted who you are. If you keep fighting it every month, of course it's going to cause you pain. Believe me, I know.'' Said Seth.
''You do?'' Said Remus.
''I can be days without drinking blood, but I will have a terrible headache and a bloodlust that will just increase until I satiate my vampire instincts. I cannot fight it, and I had to accept it. When I was young, it made my days at Hogwarts very difficult.'' Said Seth.
''Did you make friends?'' Asked Remus.
That question stung a little, and it might have shown on his face, for Remus apologized right away.
''Don't misinterpret my emotions, Mr. Lupin. I did have friends back then. I kept one very dear to me. You might know Lucius Malfoy here at Hogwarts and his father, Abraxas, has been my best friend for many years. He knew about me during my second year, and I'm very glad that I had him. Mr. black, Potter and Pettigrew seem to be your friends, no?
''Yes… they are. But they don't… they don't know about…''
''Your wolf?''
''Yeah... I'm afraid to lose them, If they knew.''
''Are you friends with my daughter, Ruma?'' Asked Seth.
''I think so. She helps me a lot with homeworks, and she makes me laugh.'' Said Remus.
''Well, if it makes you feel better. She always knew from the second she saw you that you are a werewolf. You might have noticed some particular attentions after every full moon.'' Said Seth.
Remus paled, but thought furiously for a moment.
''She always brings me chocolate at the infirmary, always smiling and wishing me well.'' Said Remus.
''That would be her.'' Nodded Seth. ''If you think my presence will change some something, I will come, but I will feel your wolf seeks my wolf.''
''Your wolf, sir?''
''My Animagus form is a wolf as well as my family's crest.'' Said Seth.
''That's what I've always been smelling! When I saw your Patronus, I finally felt like I belonged…''
''No.'' Interrupted Seth. ''I am a vampire. You seek, or your wolf seeks, to belong. And when you get older, you can speak with other werewolves.''
''People are scared of them. I'll be shunned from everything if it goes public!''
''That Mr. Lupin, is mostly denial, then hatred and fear.''
''Everyone clapped when you entered the Great Hall! You…''
''Enough! Leave! Mr. Lupin.'' Snapped Seth.
Remus swallowed with difficulty and left in the hurry.
OoOoO
September 23rd, 1972
Said sigh as he engaged the path to the Shrieking Shack, its name given by the howls Lupin made. Poor boy. If only a potion could be made for anyone like him. He crossed paths with Madam Pomphrey.
''Mr. Vulcan, you shouldn't go in there.'' Said the nurse.
''Don't worry. I'll be back. He just needed reassurance.'' Said Seth.
''If you're sure…''
Seth made sure the nurse was far enough before he pushed the door. Remus jumped in surprise.
''You came!'' Exclaimed Remus.
Seth made a grunt. Lupin was in an underwear only, and he was freezing. Seth moved a hand in the air and the room was instantly warmer.
''Thank you.'' Muttered Lupin.
Seth wondered why Pomphrey never did that for him, then remembered she had all always been afraid of him.
''I feel it... soon. Shouldn't you transform?'' Asked Lupin.
Seth looked around and thought the shack was way too small.
''If you thought my Patronus was big, you have seen nothing.'' Said Seth.
''Can I see it again?'' Wondered Lupin.
Seth shook his head, then concentrated.
''Expecto Patronum.''
Wide, silvery strands of light poured from his body and went to his left to form a wolf the size of a small horse. Remus smiled briefly before whining suddenly. Seth observed the transformation for the first time in his life. It took a few minutes in which he wondered if he should say or do anything.
When Lupin was in full wolf form, Seth's Patronus slowly walked in front of Seth. He could feel all the positive energy coming from it, and it calmed him, but also Lupin, who simply smelled the air, then looked straight at Seth. The Patronus vanished, and Remus went so close to him, Seth held his breath with a curse ready under his tongue and his hands at the ready.
Remus rose from the highest he could go, but was barely taller than Seth. Remus made a soft growl. Seth slowly breathed out and took one step back.
''What do you want from me?'' Asked Seth.
The werewolf growled and sniffed the air again. He went on all fours and turned around. Seth realized he was in no danger, but also knew what the werewolf wanted: to hunt.
Knowing he could neutralize a werewolf if something went wrong, he brought him out. Then, Seth transformed into a wolf, and Remus followed him into Forbidden Forest. When they were far enough, they hunted hares and deers. Remus seemed delighted. After they ate, Remus brushed his head under Seth's large jaw.
Belonging.
The one thing Seth did not want.
They returned to the shack, and Remus laid down on the bed and went to sleep. Seth took one last glance at the werewolf and went back to Hogwarts. Merebelle woke up when he went into bed.
''Where were you? It's not your night, is it?'' Asked his wife.
''No. Remus Lupin wanted my presence for his transformation, his wolf believed I could help him somehow.'' Said Seth. ''So, I did and brought him to the forbidden forest to hunt. His belly full, he went to sleep and did not hurt himself in the process this time.''
''You did the right thing. We had a few werewolves in Uagadou, and since so many people were Animagus, we never had to control them in any way. They were never violent and could pass a wonderful night with friends and teachers.'' Explained Merebelle.
''Really?'' Said Seth. ''I guess I could help him every month.''
''That's very nice of you. I'm sure your wolf like it too...''
''Not as much as being in bed with you.'' Growled Seth, before kissing her fiercely.