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Transylvania - Castle Tepes
Johnathan Grey
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The Count's crimson gaze lingered on Nicolas as familiarity flickered in his expression. "It is good to see you again, Lord Flamel," he said smoothly, and I could see the corner of his lips twitch into a small smile. "We should take the time to catch up, after I speak with your student. I hope that won't be a problem."
Nicolas slowly shook his head, maintaining the broad smile on his face. "We're going by Henry and Elaine Farage these days, my dear Count. And as for my student, young Johnathan graduated with flying colours quite some time ago. He's a bright lad, you know."
That gave Vlad pause. One perfectly arched brow rose ever so slightly, and he turned his gaze in my direction with renewed interest. He studied me for a brief moment, less like a predator and more like a seasoned noble measuring another for their worth. "I see," he said at last, nodding slowly. "Congratulations are in order, then. It seems your intelligence was sorely underestimated. I would simply hope the Alchemist's insanity has not rubbed off on you."
I gave the vampire a short bow of the head as a smirk crawled its way to my mouth. "Thank you. But there's still more to learn. And I have my own superior brand of insanity. I assure you, it's much cooler than his."
The subtle smile on Vlad's grew for a moment. "Well said."
With fluid movements expected of the Nosferatu species, the Count stepped down from the dais, black boots barely making a sound against the marble as he approached the us. "It's good to see you haven't let your achievements cloud your sense of self, young man," he remarked, stopping a few feet in front of me. "Too many I've known, young, brilliant, hungry for greatness, succumbed to their own power."
Ignoring the fact that I just told him I was more insane than Nicolas and he saw it as not succumbing to my own power, I gave the Count a light shrug as my eyes locked with his. "Succumb implies loss of some kind. And that is something dragons really don't like much."
A flicker of kinship flashed in Vlad's expression, almost like he was looking at an old version of himself, or a long-lost son. "Yes," he said, nodding. "Yes… I know exactly what you mean."
I didn't see what a wyvern would know about a dragon's life, aside from the ability to fly and being reptilian, but I left him to his thoughts all the same. There was no point in turning the conversation into an antagonistic one.
He turned slightly, gesturing with a hand toward the side hallway draped in flowing red and black banners. "Walk with me. The three of you must want to stretch your legs after such a long journey. We can converse as I show you around."
Without waiting for a response, Vlad began to lead the way, and we fell into step behind him. Our footsteps echoed softly through the long, torchlit hallway. High, vaulted arches of stone and marble loomed overhead as we walked past some maid and butler vampires who stood aside in attention to let us through. It was starting to remind me of my own vampire servants that did the same. I would argue mine had more reverence in their eyes for me than his did for him, and that wasn't even me bragging.
As we walked, Vlad cast a sidelong glance my way, starting a conversation I could tell was more to sate his curiosity than to make small talk. "Tell me, Lord Grey… do you have any other projects planned in the near future? Aside from the Meladictus eradication world tour, of course."
I gave him an easy shrug. "A few. One of them is seeing if I can cure werewolves and vampires."
That earned a visible reaction. Vlad's brow arched in genuine surprise, and he slowed a fraction to study my features more closely. "Ambitious," he murmured. "And what, pray tell, do you intend to do with those who do not wish to be cured? Some of us made the choice, and it benefited us greatly."
Ah, so he thought I was out to eradicate the vampire species. They weren't even as good as the greater vampires, more like pests with more versatile magic than their Skyrim counterparts. At least they could spend some time in the sun without shrivelling to death, excluding the use of the sunscreen spell. And they had the objectively badass transformation.
I met the Count's gaze. "I won't force anyone," I said plainly. "Unless they've committed crimes, turning someone who didn't wish it, or taking the life of an innocent. Otherwise, it's their choice."
That earned me a slow nod of acknowledgement from the Count. "A fair approach."
I continued without missing a step. "I plan to offer two solutions, actually. The first, removing the need for the sunscreen spell entirely, maybe a daylight ring so those who wish to remain vampires can walk in the sun naturally. I planned to present it to my caretaker and workers in Littletree before mass production. The second, a true cure. For those who want to be human again."
I remember seeing the daylight ring enchantment in the system from the Vampire Diaries series, a much better approach than the enchantment I could already do, which only applied the [Sunscreen] spell's effects to a ring and its wearer. But the drawback was that it would be undone the same way the original was in the alley and the inn. I could spend the time strengthening the enchantment, but the sunlight and moonlight rings from the Vampire Diaries seemed like a better bet.
Vlad stopped walking for a moment, considering my words, before a thoughtful but sincere smile made its way to his lips. "That is noble work," he said softly. "Far nobler than many would attempt for my kind. I wish you all the success and would very much like to purchase one of those… daylight rings from you when you accomplish the feat."
Then, with a faint sigh, he added, "And I heard of what transpired in Littletree, before and recently. A dark affair. On behalf of those of my kind who still hold to honour, I offer my apologies. I should have acted sooner, as one whom many still consider the leader of our species."
I shrugged, not really bothered in the slightest. "No need to dwell on it. However, if you truly want to help, it would be beneficial to establish a properly functioning global vampire council of some kind. Something to keep the others around the world in check, you know?"
Vlad's eyes gleamed with a spark of approval. "Pragmatic," he said with a faint smile, taking a moment to glance at Nicolas and Perenelle as if to praise their handy work in my words somehow. "And wise. It has been considered, though never formalised and never truly strong enough on a worldwide scale to make a difference. But, perhaps now is the time." He resumed walking, coat trailing elegantly behind. "I will begin the plans to make it so and get back to you as soon as I have made headway."
Well, would you look at that, this politics thing was easier than I thought it would be. And all a person ever needed was ownership of a Bank, a genius-level intellect, and power beyond all those who would try to end your life. Just the basics one like myself would be able to achieve with enough grind, even without my [Essence].
The hallway gradually curved, leading us away from the grand, public-facing parts of the castle, with the architecture subtly changing to one less ceremonial and more refined. After another turn, we came to an ornate double door of dark oak with handles that were shaped like twin serpents intertwined. Without a word, Vlad extended a hand, and the doors softly swung inward. "Come," he said. "Let us speak in a more comfortable setting now that you have had a chance to stretch your legs."
We followed him inside the grand chamber, which he treated as a private study. Gothic walls complemented by towering bookshelves filled with tomes, and from what I could tell, they were both magical and mundane in origin. A massive fireplace crackled quietly at the far end, in front of what seemed like a comfortable chair for brooding. Above it hung a magical painting of Vlad in his youth, embracing a beautiful young lady who held a child in her arms, smiling with genuine happiness.
An ornate, polished black wood table and chair stood on the other side in a way that reminded me a little of Dumbledore, and luckily, not in a bad way, with a couple of enchanted gizmos and documents neatly organised on it. Vlad gestured toward the table as he moved to pour himself a glass of what I smelled was bloodwine. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Would you like a drink?"
"Don't mind if I do," Nicolas accepted while unnecessarily pulling out his wife's already pulled-out seat, making sure she sits down before he does. "Anything without blood, if you wouldn't mind. I have yet to grow fond of that particular taste."
"The same for me, if you wouldn't mind," Perenelle smiled, and both hers and her husband's drinks materialised on the table. Two glasses and a bottle, courtesy of House Elf magic. Even big, bad vampire lords needed the little legendary helpers, it would seem.
"I'll just take an Orange Juice," I muttered, and I could swear the corner of the Count's lip quirked up before he smothered his laugh, but the juice arrived just fine. Not that my request stopped Nicolas from snorting at my 'childishness', regardless of my biological age.
Vlad took his own seat at the head of the table, swirling his glass thoughtfully as we took our first sip before leaning slightly forward. "It is not often," he began slowly, "that I host a man who has slain rogue vampires with such efficiency in one setting, and yet finds himself equally welcome at my table. Only for us to meet more than a century later with his student, or former student, doing the same thing, if only on a larger scale."
A faint smirk ghosted across his and Nicolas's lips as they locked eyes for a moment, reminiscing over events I'd be hearing about after the meeting, no doubt. I could tell he was bringing up the vampires I killed again to double-check we were good on the matter, thanks to Revan's skill in politics. But I just didn't want to play that, so I simply shrugged. "Don't worry about it, honestly."
The Count hummed in acknowledgement before continuing. "I would very much like to hear more of these cures you seek to create… and of the future you envision, should… when they succeed."
Well, I was going to give it to my staff first, but I suppose now would be as good a time as any. I could only frown at the price and wonder why learning a single enchantment cost so much. The math wasn't mathing.
[Daylight Enchantment Spell - Vampire Diaries]
[Description: A Daylight enchantment is a spell that can be placed on a piece of jewellery with a lapis lazuli gemstone, which helps to protect vampires from the sunlight, both magically and naturally. The enchantment can be either temporary or permanent, and as long as the vampire is touching or holding it in some way, they are protected from daylight.]
[Cost: 25,000SP]
[Purchased]
[Moonlight Enchantment Spell - Vampire Diaries]
[Description: A Moonlight enchantment is a spell that can be placed on a piece of jewellery with a black kyanite gemstone, which allows werewolves to control their transformation on a full moon. The enchantment also provides a werewolf's access to a range of abilities and enhancements at all times that would ordinarily only be available during a full moon. The enchantment can be either temporary or permanent, and as long as the werewolf is touching or holding it in some way, they will feel its effects.]
[Cost: 25,000SP]
[Purchased]
I met the Count's gaze. "I already have an enchantment for the rings if I were being honest. I just hadn't gotten around to testing it yet."
He raised a brow as he took a slow sip of his drink, then set the glass down with a soft clink. "Oh? I will admit I have tried my hand at doing so, even going as far as attempting the Alchemy route with the help of Lor Flame, but was not successful aside from creating an improved sunlight protection enchantment. What sort of enchantment do you plan to use? If you wouldn't mind asking, of course. I can provide you with my personal notes on the subject."
"I appreciate the offer, and if it's necessary, I'll take you up on it. But I don't think it will be necessary," I replied with a shrug. "It's a stable, permanent enchantment. No sunscreen spell necessary."
Vlad's fingers lightly tapped the rim of his glass. "And have you decided on a price for the enchanted object and or spell?"
John shook his head. "No. However, it will be affordable or available on a loan basis. I have a Veela version that will start sales when the Bank is open, so expect the finer details to be done by then. I'll give one to you for free though, you can test out the effect. Unfortunately, I doubt you'll be able to copy it with the way my enchantment will be applied."
Vlad's crimson gaze narrowed in interest. "I would very much appreciate the gift, Lord Grey."
I nodded, and without another word, I reached into my pocket and withdrew one of the enchanted briefcases hanging from my neck, expanded it and set it on the floor.
"I'll be right back," I muttered as I jumped in to make the ring for the undead man.
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Vlad's eyes followed the boy's movements with mild amusement, skilfully containing his excitement thanks to his years of experience and failure in obtaining a sunlight solution. He glanced toward Nicolas and arched a brow. "He is going to… make it now?"
Nicolas gave him an easy shrug as a faint smile curled his lips. "You're looking at the man who spent a few days with House Greengrass and walked out with a cure for the Maledictus curse of all things. Then started touring the world a few months later, healing everyone afflicted by it. He seems to have a soft spot for those who some would consider a lost cause."
Vlad, for the first time since the trio had entered his castle, blinked, causing the Flamel couple to chuckle at his expression.
"So yes," Nicolas finished with an amused shrug. "He's making it now. If anything, he said he would be working on it a few weeks ago, so this would be considered late for him."
Vlad gave the Alchemist an odd look and was about to speak when the briefcase opened once more and the boy emerged. If it wasn't for Nicolas' comment on the speed at which he works, the Count would have been disappointed, but instead he chose to patiently wait for him to ask for the notes he had been developing over he centuries. However, the vampire Lord's enhanced eyesight and awareness refused to let him miss the simple but elegant silver ring in the boy's hand.
The band was engraved with his sigil, indicating he had already enchanted the rig and only delved into the briefcase to do the engraving, but the Count chose not to comment. The boy simply walked over and offered the ring to Vlad, who accepted it with surprising reverence, already trying to analyse its effect with his magic. "Try it."
The examination didn't quite tell him everything, which fell in line with what the boy said earlier, but it definitely worked as described. It protected the vampire from sunlight while still allowing them to feel it on their skin. Something that was supposed to be impossible. And on top of that, the enchantment was self-sufficient and fed on ambient magic.
The Count looked up as a rare, genuine smile made its way to his lips, already thinking of the cure the boy would be creating in the future. "This… this will change everything. Thank you, Lord Grey. I will look forward to making several purchases for my staff."
The boy simply shrugged like he hadn't, once again, done something to flip the world on its backside like it was nothing. It was almost like having a planet change its politics on his whim was nothing new to him, which seemed odd to the Count when considering the boy had yet to exit his teens.
Placing the masterpiece on his finger to avoid insulting the young Lord, Vlad admired its craftsmanship without fear of a trap. The wards, House Elves and his own magical expertise would not allow it. After a moment of comfortable silence, he looked at the young Lord in front of him who, by then, had reshrunk his enchanted briefcase, returned it to his necklace and retaken his seat.
"There is one more matter I would discuss," Dracula said. "When your bank is formally opened, Lord Grey… I would like for myself, the other council members, and those beneath them, to do business with it." He steepled his fingers. "There are few truly neutral institutions we can trust. If this bank operates with your standards, it would serve our interests well."
The young Lord met the Count's gaze evenly. "Consider it done. You and any council members or staff will be welcome. As long as they aren't doing anything nefarious, of course." From within his robes, Grey retrieved an enchanted envelope and slid it across the table toward the Count. "The official opening is in a few weeks. Consider this your formal invitation."
Vlad picked up the invitation with a smirk, fighting the urge to ut the tips of his fingers together and smile, his wife had long since told him how delightfully sinister the action looked. "Excellent."
Over the next hour, the conversation continued, discussing potential safeguards, how disputes between different factions might be mediated, and the kinds of resources the future bank could provide. Blood banks were of course included, and Witches and Wizards would be compensated for their donation on a world-wide scale. There would no longer be a need to purchase the blood from Muggle facilities or in person.
At last, the time to part came, with Vlad rising first and offering a courtly nod. "It has been… most productive, Lord Grey."
Lord Grey and the Flamels stood as well, each exchanging polite bows. "It definitely has, Count Dracula. We'll keep in touch," Lord Grey said.
"Indeed," Vlad replied with a faint smile. Calder soon met them at the main gate, where the Thestral-drawn carriage awaited. The trio boarded once more, and without delay, the carriage began its descent from the castle, gliding silently through the mists. He had offered to momentarily disable the [Anti-Apparition] wards to make their departure quicker, but they declined, citing they are supposed to be sightseeing as part of their tour, and that [Apparating] too much would only spoil the journey.
Once the sound of hooves faded into the distance, the great doors of the castle slowly shut, leaving Vlad standing by one of the arched windows, eyes following the carriage's path through the trees. From the far side of the room, the faintest click of boots on marble echoed as a figure stepped from the shadows in a perfectly tailored coat and silver hair.
"An… interesting meeting," Gellert Grindelwald drawled. He had not hidden himself during the meeting, and the Count had done nothing to hide him either. Both knew the Flamels were skilled enough to realise he was in the Castle, possibly even teaching the boy well enough to do the same if he didn't already have the talent to do so, but only the boy would be unaware of his magical signature, having never met him. Even then, the Flamels had allowed for the ring to be presented as a gift.
Grindelwald came to stand beside the Count, watching the mist below where the carriage had disappeared to.
"The boy is powerful," Vlad said softly. "But reasonable. We reached an agreement far more favourable than the one you once proposed, old friend. The threats you offered won't be necessary."
Grindelwald gave a low chuckle as a sharp smirk curved beneath cold eyes. "Good to hear my services won't be needed. I made the trip for nothing." He folded his hands behind his back, cane in hand. "But if you ever have… difficulty getting your new council to heel, don't hesitate to contact me."
The Count wondered why the old Dark Lord was so fixated on helping the boy, even going as far as checking his family tree to find some familial link, but found no connection. He could only assume he wanted the boy for his power, but with the Flamels moulding him, the Count did not see the boy ever working with Grindelwald. Regardless, he and his people would benefit from the deals made, and that would be enough for the vampire.
Vlad inclined his head, putting aside the question of the connection between the two. "I will keep that in mind."
Satisfied with the Count's response, Grindelwald turned and began walking toward the castle's Floo chamber. As he neared the arched doorway, he began to whistle an old melody that echoed faintly through the stone halls. Behind him, the Count remained at the window, staring out into the night sky, already refining his plans for the perfect global takeover.
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" That's Right! By Becoming A Vampire, I Obtained Eternal Life. That Was My Goal. It Was My Revenge Against God!"
— Count Vlad Tepes Dracula.
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Hello There
Grindelwald is slowly cooking.
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