14 Fort Lamia

Seeing his reluctant agreement, I decided it was a suitable deal. Dalton had me escorted back to the pub with a few of his men, asking me to prepare for departure. Sophie was also preparing, but her demeanor was quite unusual. She seemed a bit bubbly and excited about moving there.

He said Brasov? A fortress... I tried picturing what that would look like. But I wasn't quite sure. Romania had a lot of forts and castles anyway. My imagination ran wild, and without further ado, I also started packing the things I needed. It wasn't much, but I decided to take a few books and a few set of clothes Sophie had order made for me.

A new place. A new beginning once again. I glanced back at my room one last time. That old bookshelf, the hardwood floors, the petals in the vase. It was a place where I had grown and learned, a part of me would still linger here, even after I was gone. I recalled the restless nights, all the things I had done. A slight smile crept upon my lips.

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[Blood Moon Society, Location: Unknown]

A few men escorted Zack back home, ensuring that he would reach his new residence swiftly. Dalton dithered around his office, reading a few letters, while a quill indited his responses. Right now, a lot of places required his supervision, there was a lot to plan and put in place to safeguard his own businesses and people. A bracelet on his arm glistened faintly blue.

His gaze lingered on the blue gem embedded within it, and on cue, he stepped out of his office, apparating away to answer a summons.

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In a small room, somewhere deep within this hideout. A round obsidian table could be seen, a number of empty chairs lining its circumference.

A few seconds later, strange whip in the air could be heard, and a few specters blinked into existence, shedding their formless shape. The room was enveloped in a stifling pressure, caused by the magic condensed in this place.

No words were spoken, as they sat down in harmony, one chair remained empty, as their eyes persisted towards its direction. Soon, the space beside the chair swirled, and Dalton appeared next to it.

"Is everyone present?" His voice echoed. Demanding an answer.

"Those stationed as scouts should still be patrolling the borders. Otherwise, everyone available is present right now" Ivan spoke, slightly bowing his head to show obedience.

The room was surrounded by Dalton's associates. Naturally, Ivan, Nikolai and Raina were also present.

Dalton had a few associates, those he considered highly valuable to his organization. Every strategy meeting would include a general overview for everyone. However, even then, not every secret would be divulged. In fact, barely anyone knew the whole plan. They would simply be shared bits and pieces of it. Safe for a few, who were essential to the whole process.

He sat down, tapping the table with his finger, to capture everyone's attention. Once the room seemed focused, he gestured towards Ivan, the latter stood up and stated a brief description of the situation.

"Our borders are tightly guarded, nothing goes in or out. The British Isles remain uncertain. No news of a major confrontation between the factions has made through to our spies. Rare skirmishes and lynching's have surfaced. The new Dark Lord's intentions are unclear. His followers are careful, their identities masked and their loyalty sealed with what seems to be Dark magic. They cannot go against him."

Ivan's voice was monotone, as he read through the reports. Taking a glance around the room to observe his associates expressions. He continued.

"The opposing faction, led by Albus Dumbledore is growing by the hour. Many believe him to be the messiah. However, the British ministry eludes him, still not trusting his cautions. Our spies have gathered that the Dark Lord's minions tried to infiltrate certain ranks of Wizengamot. They sway the opinion within closed doors. Biding time towards their eventual victory"

It was crucial intel gathered through many sacrifices. Blood Moon had even managed to plant some spies within the ministry grunts. Their intel was valuable, and they were never suspected. However, the Dark Lord's actions were still unclear. Waiting was a safe option, but if they played a wrong move, a considerable size of Britain would fall into the Dark Lord's hands.

The enemy was yet weak, and had fostered great animosity with Albus Dumbledore, a man considered the pinnacle of magic, after his defeat of Gellert Grindelwald. Hence, once Ivan delivered his report, the associates discussed fervently of the next step. Many were in favor of a ruthless opposition.

"Crush him swiftly, send our forces, we can match them in combat. Rip them apart. Surely Dumbledore will follow us and we can wipe the Dark Lord from this world." A man with a scar across his face spoke.

A few among the people nodded, but the others restrained their judgement. Not sure about such a direct approach.

"Dumbledore is indeed a great wizard, but he is not blinded by that power. If we throw ourselves in the fray, he will continue to watch. Having us sacrifice our men and then sweep the battle with a weakened enemy. It would be foolish to rely on his direct support. He does not wish to risk lives to win this war. He is not a hasty man." Dalton spoke, his words were seen as most reliable, hence the discussion continued on the perfect approach.

"Do not underestimate the enemy, to foster such an opposition under Albus Dumbledore's nose..... the Dark Lord is neither weak nor naïve. If we treat him as a common enemy, we might face huge losses. Dumbledore's silence and patience speak volumes about the enemies power." Ivan snickered.

The other associates took his words to heart. Ivan was not their superior, but the man held the power of information. He was the eyes and ears of the society. Holding spies in almost every country, his information was worth gold. His caution, meant that he tried to dig up information on the enemy. But the lack of evidence he showed, meant only one thing.

For the first time, this old fox had taken a loss.... Some even hardened their gaze, rethinking their opinions on the matter.

"The enemy won't be bold, according to his actions, he will continue to bide his time. Growing his armies and corrupting the upper echelons. Be prepared for a silent war. A harsh winter awaits. We must not allow the enemy to solidify his position amongst the magical communities in Romania. Chase any of his followers out, lethal action is allowed. Report everything back. That is all. " Dalton spoke from experience. It wasn't the first time he had faced a dark wizard. Romania was a common heritage holding many eldritch secrets.

Many coveted this power, but none had been successful since his rise to power.

Dalton concluded the meeting, allowing everyone to leave. Except his gaze lingered on Ivan and a few others who understood his gesture. Staying back as the others disapparated from the room, returning to their original duties.

The men who stayed behind were all responsible for information and intel. So they assumed it was quite a serious problem for all of them to be asked to stay. Slight drops of sweat formed on their foreheads, everyone except Ivan was quite nervous of this development.

"Is there a problem?" Ivan spoke, his sly eyes gauging Dalton's reaction.

"What did you think about the boy?" Dalton questioned.

Ivan was intrigued, it was not common for his boss to show such interest in a child.

"Of course, I can see that he is talented, quite similar to you. Though his habit of trying to peek is quite an annoyance." Ivan voiced his true thoughts, however, even he couldn't guess where this conversation was going.

"Tell me, why is it that the boy mentioned he was preparing for the upcoming war. I told you to keep it under wraps." Dalton's voice reverberated. A sudden influx of pressure emanated within the room.

An accusation of the highest caliber had just been made.

A breach of information..... It was equivalent to a death sentence in their line of work. Every man in the room felt a suffocating pressure as Dalton's eyes sought answers they could not provide.

"Are your men so incompetent that a child could find that out? Or is it perhaps their wavering devotions." his words hinting towards the seriousness of the situation.

Ivan frowned, it was not something he could have ever expected. A breach of information? Impossible, not a single soul could find this out. He made sure of this himself. Obliviating those who tried to spread rumors. But a child? He was curious as to how this had happened.

~But first... To explain this situation. His thoughts raced as he eventually found a possibility.

"When you asked me to find the boy's origins. You mentioned he was a natural Legilimens. It is entirely possible he found and learned this while reading someone's mind" His devious mind had found a way out. Though he was sure, it was not his fault to begin with....

"Are you suggesting a child could break into the minds of our intel division?" Dalton found it ridiculous. Zack was a natural, but was not experienced. Although Ivan wasn't aware of Zack's prowess, he just assumed there was a chance.

"It is merely a possibility. Of course, none of us have leaked any information. Everything is under control. I assure you." He tried to deescalate the situation. Otherwise, he wasn't sure he could walk away painlessly.

"I won't tolerate any failure, it is a crucial period of unrest. Keep our channels open. You know what to do." Dalton delegated. His temper still not placated.

Hearing the order, Ivan took this chance to slip away.

"Believe me, I won't disappoint you again." he whispered, disapparating with his men.

Of course, Dalton didn't tolerate such failures. It was merely because of his long history of service to the society, and his own contributions throughout the years, that had kept him unharmed today. He was still useful and valuable to this place, and he too relied on Dalton's strength to accomplish his own goals.

Though he had to admit, it was odd for something to leak out. To ease his suspicions, he ordered a full search of the place, ensuring the information wasn't stolen somehow. Commanding inexperienced recruits to strengthen their mind in case something similar ever happened again.

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[Brasov, Fort Lamia]

A man escorted two people to the main gate, as they had just arrived through portkey. A young boy and a lady. The two entered the fort, and the gates were sealed shut behind them. They were naturally, Sophie and Zack.

The fort was meticulously guarded, a plethora of charms secured its perimeter, and he was sure there was also a non-apparition charm. Hence, why they had taken portkey to a nearby hill.

I can't believe it. The fortress I am in right now, it looked to be well maintained. But gave off an eerie vibe. It was similar to the Hogwarts castle I had seen in the movies, but much smaller in size.

Sophie and I walked in to the castle, I could see its walls reinforced with dark oak, and its floor mixed in with a cobble stone grain. The ceilings were enshrined with several glass chandeliers, seemingly levitating holding a bright light. It was decorated with a medieval taste in mind.

I continued to marvel at its design, as Sophie walked forwards and knocked on the wall three times. Suddenly, a gaunt, somewhat pale and short old man, wearing a butler uniform appeared from thin air.

"Good evening, Madame' Sophie, I am delighted to see you are back. Please, allow me to serve you refreshments, I have already transported both your luggage to your respective rooms." He said eloquently, and a silver platter snapped to his hands.

He nudged closer, offering us tea and biscuits...But I must admit, my curiosity made me forsake my hunger. He called her madame Sophie.... delighted to see her back? So she's lived here? I wasn't quite sure how this all connected. I thought this was a safe house under Dalton.

Sophie declined politely,

"Is grandfather available?" She asked.

The butler bowed his head and the tray disappeared.

"Of course, Count Nosferat will see you at lunch. He was also overjoyed by your return" The butler answered.

Shame, really, maybe I should have taken a biscuit after all..... Wait.

Did he just say Count Nosferat? As in Nosferatu? Dracula??

Hey now that I think about it....This old butler, yeah I could see it. A very faint red glow in his pupils. This guy was definitely a vampire. But not the same as that vile bastard who tried to kill me. He felt different. I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but it seemed his bloodlust was barely noticeable.

The butler looked my way and introduced himself.

"You must be the young master. Greetings, my name is Ephyl".

Young master? Maybe he wasn't that bad...I could see myself gloat... But that did arouse my curiosity further. Sophie wasn't a vampire. I would have noticed. It's been more than 6 months. But she called the Count her grandfather? A lot wasn't explained in the movies about the vampires.

So I was completely clueless about how this worked. Could they even reproduce?.

Seeing my burning lust for answers, Sophie had a slight chuckle. Ephyl walked us to our rooms and then informed us that lunch would take place, in the large dining hall, at 12pm Sharp. Glancing at an old clock, it was currently 9 am.

3 hours to spare. But right now, I was dying of anticipation. Damn.. was I really in THE infamous Dracula's home?

Interesting....