Miranda Reynolds had had a long day. She worked as a Hunter, an elite group of witches and wizards who hunted and executed dangerous vampires, for the ministry. The hours were long, the coffee was rubbish, but the pay was good and she had people she could rely on. There were nearly a hundred and fifty Hunters in the department and she knew every single one, a task that was often difficult. However, she often got saddled with the tougher cases. Such as she did today.
Today, she had tracked down a vampire by the name of Olaf who had fed from seventeen muggles at once, immediately putting himself on their radar. She'd spent close to a month looking for him until she caught a break. Volterra, Italy. She'd easily walked through the near- empty streets, her retractable blades concealed in her leather jacket. She decided against wearing her full hunting attire, replacing her leather trousers for denim. Her black hair was down and concealed the sides of her face from the others. Miranda had seen him run into the Volturi's layer. She smiled to herself as she jogged after him. He'd clearly know nothing about the treaty. She'd bid a pleasant 'Hello' to Heidi, a striking vampire woman in red, and continued down the familiar hidden passage that she always took into the 'throne room' as she'd jokingly nicknamed it.
Olaf stood in the middle of the throne room, shaggy brown hair, jeans and a large green jacket, looking rather out of place with the Volturi. Aro stood before him, easily hiding how much he didn't want him there. Caius and Marcus remained in their seats. Aro took Olaf's hand in his own. Olaf stared so intently that Miranda simply walked into the room, via the small passage, and leaned against the wall behind Olaf, Caius and Marcus giving small nods of welcome which she returned. "Alas," Aro spoke, "dear Olaf, we cannot service you. You have broken the treaty with the Hunters."
"T-treaty? What treaty?"
"The one that states I get to kill your sorry arse because of how many people you just killed." Miranda spoke nonchalantly from behind him. Her blade had been brought out and she was wiping it with a small purple cloth. Tucking the cloth away, she looked at him just as he pounced.
"Ooh, a show!" Aro said as he took his seat.
Olaf made a swipe at her throat which she easily dodged. Then a second swipe that merely grazed her leather corset. He began throwing clumsy punches aiming a few at her head and her heart. She grabbed his fist, easily throwing him into the wall next to the three elder vampires. She ran at him as he rose to his feet but as she pounced he knocked her away her swords scattering away. That's when she took the offensive. She punched him square in the nose, which made a satisfying crunching sound, his head lulled back then she dove between his legs and kicked the fold of his left leg as hard as she could. Her magic was coursing through her veins at a rapid pace. He howled in pain and went down just enough for her to climb to his back. She latched her small hands onto the large mans head, he smelled of blood and bile. His scruffy beard scratched her fingers. She felt him resist but fell to his knees, and with one foot on his shoulder and the other planted securely on the floor in front of him, she ripped his head off.
"Well done, my dear. Killing a mature vampire with your bare hands, and so young!" Aro rose from his seat and walked to her.
"Easier match than I'd anticipated. Oh well."
Now she entered her apartment, dropping her bag full of weapons like it was a simple briefcase. She flicked on the lights and started playing the messages from her phone dock. Kingsley Shackelbot, the Minister for magic, had congratulated her on her success against Olaf, as did Harry and Ron who called next. She'd known the pair since her first year at Hogwarts. They were sixteen at the time. The next was from his half-sister, Bella. "Oh shit!"
She dialed the phone to Bella's cell but no answer, so she left a message. "Hey Bella, it's Miri. I was calling to say happy birthday. I wish I were with you right now, love. It's not everyday your baby sister turns 18. I'll-I'll try to visit whenever I can. I love you. Oh and by the way, I'm sending you something. I know you aren't big on presents but I got you something anyway. Alright, I love you. Bye."
Bella sat in the passenger side of Edward's car. She hadn't heard her cell phone ring but she did notice a missed call... from Miranda. "Who was it?" Edward asked, his eyes glancing her way. "Oh it was my sister. Well my half-sister."
"I didn't know you had a sister." he chuckled and looked back ahead. Bella shifted uncomfortably.
"She lives in London, that's where her dad was from. I didn't see her much over the school years because her dad and our mom divorced and he got custody of her but she'd always visit me and Charlie. She has some real important, real dangerous job back in London but she tells me not to worry."
"And you still do." he stated.
"Of course I do. Especially nowadays. Knowing that vampires exist, it makes me really wonder what else is out there. But she's tough, she smart, and she's cautious. So I don't worry as much."
Bella withdrew her phone from her pocket completely and played the voicemail for them both to hear.
"Hey Bella, it's Miri. I was calling to say happy birthday. I wish I were with you right now, love. It's not everyday your baby sister turns 18. I'll- I'll try to visit whenever I can. I love you. Oh and by the way, I'm sending you something. I know you aren't big on presents but I got you something anyway. Alright, I love you. Bye." Bella stared at the phone and smiled.
"Seems like everyone's allowed to get you something except me." Bella burst out laughing.
Carlisle took Bella back to his office to fix up the gash on her arm. She felt so guilty about what had happened, like she needed to explain herself to someone. "I never wanted to have a party."
"It's not your fault." he said as he removed the last pieces of blood-covered glass from her arm. "Jasper hasn't been away from human blood as long as the rest of us."
"How do you do it?" she asked, struggling to keep her arm against his as he instructed. He truly was handsome, she noticed. Good and kind, and maybe-
No! Your sister just came back into your life! Do not try and set her up with your boyfriends dad! one side of her screamed.
Oh come on! He's handsome, kind and everything your sister deserves! side two argued.
"Years and years of practice." he said, absolutely oblivious to Bella's inner turmoil. How could he have possibly known that Bella and Miranda hadn't spoken in two years? How could he have known that Bella had been furious over Miranda's choice of job, vague as she was on the details? How could he have know Miranda was a witch?
"Did you ever think of just doing it the easy way?"
"No. I knew who I wanted to be. I wanted to help people. It brings me happiness even if I am damned regardless."
"Damned? Like Hell? Carlisle you couldn't be damned. You couldn't. It's impossible. But you sound just like Miri." she said before she could stop herself. He quirked an eyebrow.
"Miri? Who is Miri?" he asked. Bella made a nervous chuckle.
"She's my older half-sister. She lives in London. She's always wanted to help people, no matter what happens. That's been her passion."
"I didn't know you had a sister. How much older is she anyway?" he asked as he stitched up her arm.
"She's 22. And knowing her, she'd say the same thing too."
"Thank you, Bella. You've always been very gracious about us."
"So that's it? That's why he wont change me?" Bella asked.
"Imagine the situation in reverse. Hmm." he said, tapping her chin. "If you believed as Edward does could you take away his soul?"
Miranda became more stressed over the course of the year. Mountains of paperwork that needed signing and/or filing before any new upgrades could be made. Their offices in shambles while renovations took place, as Miranda sought refuge in Harry's office. And to top it all off, she hadn't killed anything in months, she hadn't even fought, something she sorely needed to do. It was near summer and the work loads were getting a bit lighter so as she stepped out for a spot of lunch she asked her friend for a quick sparring match. Phora Greenwright was a young blond who was only two years Miranda's senior. She had navy blue eyes and several tattoos, about seven more than Miranda. On top of everything, she was an animorphmagi, so she was instant fun after a few drinks. They'd known each other in their Hogwarts days even though they were in different houses, Phora in Ravenclaw and Miranda in Gryffindor.
They went seven sweaty rounds in the sparring room, the only room that the construction workers hadn't touched, music blaring as they fought. Miranda hadn't been this sweaty around Phora in about a year. They'd had a seven month affair when Miranda was experimenting with her sexuality. Things ended well, Phora knew towards the end that she wasn't as physically invested as she had been before. The sex was still pretty fantastic though. And sometimes they still hooked up between relationships.
"Been a while, eh Miri?"
"Yeah." she panted. They made their way to the showers, locked the door and stripped. They allowed the hot spray to envelop their individual bodies. "So, Miri, I heard you've been talking to that little sister of yours. That's good. Your father would've wanted you two to stick together. Bless his soul."
"Yeah, he would have."
Kingsley Shackelbot sat in his office waiting for Miss. Reynolds to arrive. He had to admit, he was initially skeptical about hiring her into such a dangerous role but Mr. Potter seemed to trust her so that was enough for him. Soon there was a small knock at the door. "Come in." The raven haired woman walked into the room, confidence radiating head to toe. "You asked for me Minister?" she asked as she settled into a comfy armchair across from the older man.
"Yes," he reached for two crystal glasses, no bigger than her hand, and filled them with fire whiskey. "We need you to talk to the Volturi. We believe they are hiding the whereabouts of a female vampire known as Victoria. See if you can get them to talk. Aro respects you."
She nodded and took a gulp of the fire whiskey. It had disappeared by the next one. She stood, nodded and headed for the door, "One more thing Miss. Reynolds."
"Please, sir, call me Miranda." she turned to him, her leather on leather ensemble showed she was ready for any task.
"Mr. Tanner in the Auror's office has reported that his daughter Bree is missing. Enclosed is a picture and an official order to have her returned... in what ever state."
"What does that mean?"
"She was last seen in Seattle, vampire territory." he sighed heavily, the news obviously troubling to him. "Tanner is one of our best. He just wants his little girl home."
"She'll be home soon sir."
Miranda stood before the Volturi, as usual she spoke directly to Aro as Marcus and Caius stayed on their thrones. "Aro, Victoria is very dangerous and we know that she is going after a specific human. It's very personal and she could cause a lot of damage and cause quite a scene. You have to help us!"
Immediately the main doors swung open and footsteps entered the room. Alec, whom Miranda usually ignored, began to speak. "Sister. They send you out to get one and you bring back two. And a half. Such a clever girl." a half? Oh shit, a human! probably a muggle! I have to help. She turned to see three people not much younger, physically than she. A handsome boy wearing a red cloak, a young woman with short dark hair and...
"Bella!" Miranda instantly launched herself at her baby sister who embraced her with equal ferocity.
"Miri! Oh my God! Oh I missed you so much! I shouldn't have been so angry I'm sorry!"
"No, no, no, it's my fault I should have told you sooner. I shouldn't have yelled at you so much. I'm so sorry pet. I'm so sorry!"
The room was dead quite but the two sisters remained locked in their embrace. "What are you doing here Bella?" the older sister asked, Emerald orbs focused on her sister.
"I was about to ask you the same question."
"Work. I'm tracking down a dangerous vampire and I've come to ask dear old Aro here if he knew anything about her."
"Oh this is Alice," she said pointing to the dark haired girl, "And this is Edward, my boyfriend."
"What a happy surprise!" Miranda turned to face him, her leather clad form ready to face any enemy. "Bella is alive after all. Isn't that wonderful? I love a happy ending." He made his way to the small group and took Edwards hand out of Bella's. "They are so rare." he gasped as he experienced Ed's thought and feelings. He said something in Italian that Miranda didn't understand and at the mention of her blood she separated her from Aro. But apparently certain powers didn't work on her. Edwards mind reading certainly didn't even Aro's was useless against Bella. But then he turned too Jane and Miranda knew that was his next move. "Aro I swear to God-"
"Do not speak to him in such a manner!"
"Caius shut the fuck up!"
"Enough you two." Marcus spoke, his voice frail yet firm. "Why do you despise Caius, my dear?"
"One day Caius, I'll tell you. For now I'd like him to remember what he did." Miranda's voice was soft with Marcus as it had always been when she spoke to the old vampire. Clearly, though, Aro was curious as well as he took Miranda's hand in his own. Miranda saw a flash of the incident in her own mind, still clear as when it had happened. She had only been seven. "Oh my. Brother you have much to remember." Aro shifted his attention back to Jane and Bella but after twenty seconds, it was still quiet. Aro was absolutely enamored with Bella's abilities.
"Brother," Caius began, "She's a liability. She can't be allowed to live."
"There is nothing he can do about that without sealing his death sentence. You signed the treaty Caius, as did Aro, as did I. There is nothing more to discuss"
"She will expose us!"
"No she won't!" Alice cut in. "She's going to become one of us. I've seen it. I'll change her myself." She held out her hand to Aro after removing her glove.
"Mesmerizing." Aro breathed, gently withdrawing his hand from around Alice's. "To see what you have seen before it has happened. I am afraid the only way to stop Caius' protests against your life, my dear, is to change you. You will make a most intriguing immortal. Go now. Make your preparations. And my lovely Miranda, I will send what I know of this Victoria to your personal office."
"Thank you." she turned to the three of them. "Where are you headed?"
"Were meeting our family inside of the Duomo. No one is inside this time of day." Miranda instructed them to hold on to each other. She gripped Bella's wrist and they dissaperated.
Forks hadn't changed much from when Miranda was a kid. She like visiting Charlie, even after his divorce from her mom. Bella had arranged for Miranda to stay with the Cullen's for a few days and she'd really appreciated it. She'd heard about the Cullen's before but had never met one before Italy. She really liked Alice and Emmett but hands down Carlisle was her favorite. She'd expected some really old guy but holy shit he was attractive. Light blond hair placed perfectly on his head, perfect skin perfect everything. She was caught off guard when he'd said he was a doctor. But he'd told her he didn't crave human blood anymore and she believed him.
A few nights after Italy, Bella came through the door with Edward behind her. Alice had dressed Miranda up in strapless flowy black dress that stopped above the two inches above the knee and a long sleeved cover that she pushed up just beneath her elbow. "You all know what I want." Bella spoke softly, Miranda's eyes becoming interested in Carlisle's shoes. They were actually really nice. "And I know how much I'm asking for, especially from you Miri. The only thing that I can think of for it to be fair is to just vote."
"You don't know what you're talking about" Edward mumbled.
"Shut up. Alice?"
"I already consider you my sister. Yes" they shared a strong hug and Miranda had to grip Carlisle's arm to keep from falling.
"I vote 'yes'" said Jasper. "It would be nice to not want to kill you all the time."
Rosalie spoke next, "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry to both of you for how I've acted, and I'm really grateful that you were brave enough to go and save my brother. But this isn't a life I would have chosen for myself. And I wish that there'd been someone to vote "no" for me. so, no"
"I vote 'Hell yeah.'" Emmett said, he reached around her waist, picking her up in a bear hug and spinning her around. "And we can pick a fight with these Volturi some other way."
"Why are you doing this to me?" the questioned was aimed to Carlisle.
"You've chosen not to live without her which leaves me no choice. I won't lose my son."
"Miri?" Bella asked. Miranda's head was tilted downward suddenly becoming interested in her toes. Then she looked up.
"Bella, as much as I want to scream 'Hell no' and take you back home to London with me, this is your life and if this is how you want to live it and who you want to live it with than I vote 'yes'. But you know that if you do something against the treaty then I can't protect you from them."
"I understand."