A/N: Hopefully I have not been too OC with Aro in this one.

Anima Gemella

Breaking up with Ronald Weasley is not something easy for Hermione to do, they've been dating since the end of the Second Wizardry War and it's been over a year since then. It's not as if she still loves him, not in the romantic sense, at least, but now she cares more for him as a brother. They've been together too long it seems, not in the romantic sense but in everything else that she cannot see him as a romantic figure anymore. There's really nothing wrong with him, sure some people would criticize his eating habits, his hoarding and his miserliness but Hermione knows that those traits stems from his deprived childhood. Sure, he is tactless and a bit rude to people at times, but he never pressured her to have sex with him nor did he pressure her to change her "bookish" habits. It's just that the heat and urgency that came from the war and the childhood crush she had for him, had been whittled away by time.

He had not wanted to break up of course, he didn't understand her reasons. He opined that her feelings for him aren't fraternal but that they are merely drifting apart because she spends too much time on her work. He begged her, tried to tell her that he'll change whatever it is that she didn't want about him and maybe she can just give up more freelance project so they can spend more time together. But that was just it, the more time she spends with him, the more bored she grows with him. Although, she did not tell him that. She merely told him that she feels they will never get beyond this point in their relationship. In the end, he gave in and she took this lucrative project commissioned by the ruling vampire coven in Italy, against the advice of her friends. Perhaps, this move had been a good thing, for Ron moved on quite easily (his face was all over The Daily Prophet, snogging Pansy Parkinson with an unknowing Wizardry World slamming him for "cheating" on Hermione)

Caius had been from the wizardry world, but had the misfortune to be born a squib from the prestigious Malfoy clan. He would have been killed as an infant if it were not for the intervention of his mother's family, who've decided to have a tenant from their land raise him as his own. He'd grown up a muggle in what would be the Roman capital and it was there that he became a vampire. Therefore, he has an idea of what the wizardry world is, after he and his sworn brothers overthrew the Romanian rule, they created a treaty of non-interference with the wizardry world. But the tides are changing, since the end of the Second Wizardry War, with vampires fighting from both side of the spectrum, the end came with an openness among the magical populace of the vampires as members of the supernatural community.

Not one to miss an opportunity, Aro figured they could hire a competent wizard or witch to create protection wards, shield and maybe a glamor around Volterra and the fortress itself, allowing for the elders of the Volturi coven to walk around the city with more freedom and not be confined to the fortress for the rest of eternity. He figured, if the contractor can do a good job, they can devise a "sort of" shield to protect his guards when they are outside, too. Caius, upon the advice of his contact, hired one Hermione Granger for the job.

Aro married hand-picked Sulpicia amongst the women child that he and his coven, consisting of Marcus, Caius and his sister Didyme, came upon. The reason had been quite simple really, he'd been lonely. Caius met his mate amongst those girls Sulpicia travelled with, beautiful Athenodora. Not wanting to be outdone nor wanting to feel lonely, Aro decided to marry for the simple fact that not all vampires meet their soul mate.

She was everything he'd ever wanted back then and more. She might not be the brightest nor the most interesting woman, but she never questions his authority and she is definitely nice to look at. But if he must be honest with himself, he finds her company dull, preferring to spend time with his brothers and figuring out a way to out maneuver the Romanians.

At first, Sulpicia had been quite happy with her lot, even contented with the help of Corin, later on when she and Athenodora were almost held prisoners in the tower of Volterra. But as time went on, as she saw women with their families, their loving husband and her children, she grew resentful. She was in love with Aro at first, who wouldn't be? But in the end, this love faded for both of them. Chelsea was never needed to create bonds of loyalty with the two as they are married, but even as she was contented with her lot, what grated her is that she never once had an opportunity to hold her own child. In an act that would surprise everyone around her, not only her husband, she decided to commit suicide and cast herself into the fire kept in the large fireplace in her suite of rooms. Aro mourned her passing, but not as a lover would but for the idea that he will be alone once more.

That was until she came along. Aro had been reluctant to allow this young witch to take the job of creating wards and shields around the fortress and the city. He figured with the money they have, they can afford someone more experienced. But Caius had been determined to have her, she has the reputation as the most brilliant witch of her age, that and she'd been the first ever to break in and steal an artifact from the highly secured Gringotts Bank, testament to her genius.

Thus, Aro gave in, told Caius he'd be observing her progress. He was still reluctant until she saw her, rather, until he smelt her. He couldn't believe that after all his years of existence, he'd finally met her, his anima gemella, the twin of his soul or his soul mate as most vampires term it. He'd never felt emotions so powerful, never felt anything for a very long time ever since they've sat down in their thrones here in Volterra and now he can't help but wonder at her existence. Marcus smiled at the bonds forming for Aro and assured him that he can win her over as she has no bonds with another in this sense.

She on the other hand, couldn't help but only see him as a handsome vampire. She might feel attraction for him but dismissed it, as any smart witch would, as a compulsion one naturally felt towards vampires. She ignored the feeling that it's the strongest around him, merely placating herself that perhaps he is the best looking. She worked hard, worked long hours, researched the origins of every cornerstone and the very foundation of the fortress. She mapped the property surrounding the fortress. She studied the houses and other buildings within the city. She created a catalogue of unique strong wards for the Elders to choose from. In fact, even if it were not for their bond as soul mates, Aro would have been impressed at her tenacity and industry. But as it was he was amazed at the wonder that is his mate.

He sent her letters, filled with poetry and prose. He told his guards to be polite to her, warning them of the consequence. He also stated his intent to claim her, given their bond as soul mates. His guards acted accordingly and acted in a very proper manner around the witch. Human men were subtly told off if they get too near, how anyone can go near her when there's always an unnoticeable vampire (or so they think they're unnoticeable) guarding her. He tried to be in the general area where she is at, but found himself at loss for any excuse other than reports on the progress of her work to talk about. He did try but despite being a good conversant and for some a charismatic speaker, Aro found himself tongue-tied around her.

He schemed, found ways to be around her. He even pretended to supervise the guards in jobs they've been doing long before Hogwarts was built. He sometimes took to observing her from another building (still owned by the Volturi) facing hers. In the end, he figured, the best way to be around her is to stay at the library during her free time, 5 pm-onward. It was then that he once again observed her from the shadows as she read an ancient tome. He once heard her claim that she fell in love with this library the moment she walked in. He can't help but think of how she'll enjoy his private library more than this paltry general one, that the guards shared. As he was busily observing her, he was broken out of his reverie when she approached him.

"Hello, Master Aro. Good evening." Hermione greeted. Aro bowed his head in greeting. "Good evening, Miss Granger." He longed to have her call his name without adding that insufferable master before it, but Hermione had decline time and time again. Hermione smiled upon his greeting. "I'm about to leave in a few weeks." She began. Aro had to mask his emotions so as not to show his feelings. Of course he knew about it, he had been wearing the stone paving and carpet of his room pacing endlessly over it, wondering what excuses could he come up to keep her here. She'd already done everything they need her to do, including making the throne and the rooms of the Masters of the Volturi indestructible. He'd even thought of reasons to visit England, perhaps staying with his friend Carlisle's coven for the meanwhile, even if they have such disgusting eating habits. "As I was saying, I've never really been around Volterra. I haven't had the chance to see the sights. I was wondering if you could accompany me some evening to see places within and nearby." Hermione broked him out of his reverie. Aro stilled at this, his eyes growing large and unable to process what she'd just said. Hermione noticed his reaction, gaping like a fish will make anyone look unattractive, vampire or not and back tracked.

"Of course, if you don't want to. I understand. You are a busy person after all…" Hermione mumbled. Aro startled at the withdrawal of her offer, moved faster than the human eye can see, kneeled besides Hermione and kissing her hand in an almost reverent way. She blushed, it was the most forward he'd ever been with her. "You are mistaken, bella. I'm sorry for my late reaction. I would be honored to accompany you. I was just surprised you offered." He apologized. Hermione smiled at this. "Great! How about we venture out of the fortress this Saturday evening?" Aro nodded as if in a daze, his emotions threatening to break out of his long non-functioning chest. Hermione smiled. "See you then…" She bid him as he did what he usually do after their conversations, run away… 'What just happened?' He asked himself as he went to his chambers. Then, it dawned upon him. 'I'm going out with Hermione this Saturday. Dating in this day and age is akin to courting' He told himself, he was so happy at this realization, that he almost jumped in glee. He passed by Jane who was speaking with her twin brother Alec. He grabbed her and started dancing her around, following a tune that can only be heard in his head. "Master, what's wrong?" Jane asked bewildered. "Hermione and I are courting!" He replied with such happiness that the guards nearby looked at him in a funny way.

Accuse Hermione of anything, but she is not stupid. Sure, she is innocent, she and Ron only snogged but they did not do much except for that. But she knows when a person is interested in her. As if the "anonymous letters", expensive gifts (he gave her a First Edition Hogwarts a History), constant watching and warnings to the guards, wouldn't tell her of his interest. His attempts at conversation had her smiling after he's left. She also find him very interesting, what little conversations they've had before he'd slink off to wherever he came from, shows a cultured very well read and educated man (with all those years he lived, he should be). She knows he can be cruel, but nowhere near as sadistic as Caius and she's heard he can be manipulative. His feeble attempts at getting to her good side are pretty endearing.

In the end, vampire or not, it seems men or boys of all ages have a lot of things in common, they can be cowards at times. So, if he can't ask her out, she'd better do it for him.