Chapitre 443: Fragile Alliance

Outside the Riddle manor :

Numerous shadows slink around in the darkness, many red eyes peer out and onto the single fat man who's holding something covered in a blanket.

Peter Pettigrew was terrified, not only was he holding the Dark Lord in his arms like you would a child but he was currently surrounded by hundreds or maybe even thousands of vampires. He hadn't expected something so grand when he approached the establishment in Knockturn alley...

Eventually after the movement had calmed two blonde red eyes people step forth, the darkness behind them reluctantly giving them up.

Peter "Welcome Lords to my Masters home." he says with a deep bow, however he can hear the Dark Lord gritting his teeth as his servant shows respect to someone else.

The man steps forward and introduces himself, "As you already know, I am Sterling Alucard, and this is my wife Velika." they give no indication that they themselves are going to bow which infuriates Voldemort, however he holds his tongue for now.

The raspy voice slowly escapes the blanket, "Guests, I'd let you inside but you know the old saying, "Never invite a vampire into your home.". I would like to thank you with your assistance at retrieving some of my colleagues but you should know I also have another guest who should be arriving soon." he says foreboding.

Sterling frowns, "Breaking into that dreadful prison was easy for the Alucard, however may I inquire as to their identities?" he asks with a threat not needing to be stated.

Voldemort smirks, "Oh, I believe you already know them. They are from your... Community after all."

Velika pulls on Sterlings sleeve and whispers, "Something about this doesn't seem right, I think we should leave." she says warily.

Sterling "No, if what he says is true then this'll be our only chance to capture her."

Velika scowls but doesn't say anything.

Voldemort senses a powerful being nearby and smirks, "Ah. I think they're here."

The thick shadows being Sterling and Velika seems to retreat slightly as few people confidently walk into the clearing as if they own the place. A man with long black hair and slitted red eyes smiles as he sees Sterling. "Ah, I had wondered if the Alucard clan would also be here. We are all after the same thing after all. He glances at Pettigrew before his gaze lands on the blanket, "Forgive me, I seem to have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Leon Belmont, the patriarch and leader of the clan." he says jovially.

Sterling and his wife take a step back as they knew this man could and would tear them apart if they got in his way. Velika sends an "I told you so" look at him but he's currently so tense he doesn't notice. L-leon... What a pleasure to see you again... Is your marriage with Katherine serving you both well?" he asks, wondering if his daughter is still alive.

Leon laughs and nods, "Of course, however I didn't see the need for Marriage and instead keep her as a concubine. Despite being blind she's quite good, I bet she learned all those techniques from your wife... Maybe she could show me them personally?" he says with a sadistic smile.

Sterlin and Velika shudder but are interrupted as they're about to reply.

Voldemort "Let us start the discussion and move from the topic of concubines to your target." he says, gaining the interest of the two opposing clans. "From what I have gathered you are all hunting Ciri Rivia?" he states confidentially.

...

Both Leon and Sterling are confused at this, why would he think they wanted some pathetic human woman?

One of the men behind Leon looks furious, "Fool, we do not want the girl, it's what the girl has that we want!" however he's slap away by Leon and flies a few meters before landing unconscious.

Leon "Forgive my subordinate but, he was correct. We seek the black furred animal in her care, not the woman herself."

...

Voldemort is tempting to cast the killing curse at Wormtail for getting the information wrong, from that alone he was already at a disadvantage when negotiating with these creatures. "Good, it appears that I haven't got the wrong people. Of course you would want the animal but I was suggesting the woman and the rabbit."

...

Sterling can tell the Dark Lord is trying to recover but it's plainly obvious that he hadn't known what they were seeking. It's hard to keep secrets from ancient being afterall. "We care not about the woman, the rabbit is all we seek."

Leon "The rabbit will be ours Sterling, do not force my hand."

Sterling frowns and decides to try and gain some ground back, "I'll suggest the same to you, I know a secret of the Belmont clan that you'd not wish to get out." he says with a low tone.

Leon "Oh? And what's preventing me from tearing you and your men apart?" he asks with amusement.

Voldemort doesn't like where this is going, if a fight does breakout Wormtail is likely to perish and all his planning will be for nought. Not only that but he suspects he'll need to entirety of both clans to be able to fight off whatever countermeasures Dumbledore and the unseen players will make. "We must recover the target first, you can squabble about what happens to it afterwards" he rasps out. "We will need a strong force to act should the plan fail, it is in all of our interests that we work together."

Leon "And what prevents us from just storming Hogwarts and taking what's ours?"

Voldemort "It would disrupt my plans, something you shouldn't do lightly. Additionally anyone who assists me here will receive great rewards in the world I will create."

Sterling "Such as?" he asks in interest, usually an alliance with magicals was off the table but if they could gain a situation similar to what Transylvania had in the past they'd be in a very favourable position.

Voldemort "Food. As many humans as you can get your fangs on." he states.

Leon thinks for a while before waving his hand, "That is acceptable, we'll be present when your plan comes to fruition. Do not fail us." he says before disappearing with his cohorts.

Sterling nods and does the same and the darkness surrounding the manor seems to thin and fade, leaving an exhausted looking Wormtail still standing there clutching Voldemort.