Hi everyone here is Part 2. The last time TVWOH was up I just kept it as one story, this time I'm putting it up as three parts because of how big it was. I hope this is better for you. Xx

Part Two- Volterra

Chapter One

It didn't matter how much Hermione tried to rationalise things in her mind, the truth of the matter was she was leaving Hogwarts, her home, her life. She was leaving all of her friends, the family that she had adopted over the years, and she was leaving the man that she loved. She was leaving behind everything she had ever known or cared about in order to enter into a new world, a world which was unfamiliar to her. She felt like that young girl again who had just found out she was a witch and would be entering the world of magic for the first time. But this was completely different. This was not the Wizarding World.

Hermione would be living in a totally different country with people, no not people, but vampires who she knew nothing about. Well except that they were all powerful in their own right and that in their world, they were basically seen as Royalty and governed the vampires. The Volturi made the laws and expected all vampires to follow them. If they didn't and broke the law, depending on the severity of such law breaking they would be tried and sentenced, sometimes to death. Their methods may have appeared to be medieval but they worked. Nothing was more important to the Volturi than keeping their race a secret from humans. Hermione could understand that law as it was the same in the Wizarding World. They had the International Statue of Secrecy which hid the Wizarding community from Muggles and hid the world that they lived in.

To say she wasn't terrified about this new chapter in her life would be wrong. She would be lying if she said she wasn't scared out of her mind, despite how powerful she may be. The truth was she was nervous and scared as hell. She didn't know what to expect and didn't know anything about the vampires she would be living with from now on. Also because she was magical as well as being a vampire, Hermione wasn't even sure if they would even accept her. Aro did of course, but that was only because he saw her as a prize, someone he could use to gain the things that he wanted. In the magical world, because of her blood status as a Muggleborn witch, she hadn't been accepted like others had, especially the Purebloods. A part of her didn't want to face all of that again, just because she wasn't like other vampires. She hoped that they could accept her for who she was, maybe not straight away but eventually.

Sitting next to Aro on the Volturi's private plane with Felix and Demetri sitting across from her, she glanced shyly at him from the corner of her eye and watched as he sat rubbing his chin absentmindedly, appearing deep in thought. She would have loved to have used Legilimency on him but since he was the main leader of the Volturi, she thought it probably best not to invade his mind like that. Despite the fact that she was his prize, she got the feeling that he would be one of those leaders who would turn against a vampire if they provoked him too far. She had seen his thoughts by using his own power against him and saw the things that he was capable of. Hermione didn't know him and so didn't know how far she could take things with him just yet.

He was so elegant and sophisticated and unlike anyone she had ever met before. His body was poised and graceful, with one leg crossed over the other. His raven hair fell gently over one shoulder and down his back. His appearance was neat and suave with nothing out of place. He had taken off his long black and red cloak, but still wore the Volturi crest around his neck. He was lean and slender and was a lot taller than she was. His pale skin was flawless and was a sharp contrast to his black hair and red eyes. Looking at him now he was like a darker more elegant version of Lucius Malfoy. She had to stifle a chuckle at this thought and knew for certain that Lucius would not appreciate being compared to a vampire. Despite how much his views had changed over the years.

Even to Hermione, she had to admit that Aro was attractive and sitting in close proximity to him now, wasn't helping her thoughts either. She could feel his presence next to her and could feel that same pull towards him. Every time his leg brushed against hers, an electric current fired through her. She hated her body's treacherous response to him and cursed herself for feeling the way that she did, not to mention she couldn't understand it. Aro was married and she loved Severus that was all that mattered. Also she wasn't even sure if she liked him as a vampire or not yet. The impression he had given her so far wasn't favourable. But impressions could be changed in time. She knew that from experience.

She turned her head away from the man by her side and gazed out of the window longingly. Although she knew that in her heart she didn't want to leave her home, she knew it was for the best. If she hadn't the Volturi would have kept coming for her, putting her friends and loved ones in danger. If she stayed she would be putting the school and all the innocent students in danger as well. And Hermione could not take that chance. Too much had been lost already and it wasn't fair to put everyone through all of that again just for her. What would be the point in saving them from one War only to have them enter into an impossible War with the Volturi? She knew that despite their magic they could not win against such powerful vampires as them. Not even with her on their side. She was powerful in her own right but even then she might not be able to defend everyone from them. No, that was definitely a risk she could not take. And so she done the only thing that she could to protect them, she left and joined their coven. Hopefully with her being there, Aro would keep his promise and let her loved ones be since he had his prize now.

So here she was in a plane with three vampires heading to Italy, a place she was unfamiliar with, where she would now live. Other than that she had no idea what else to expect. Only time would tell.

Sitting back against the chair she let her mind wander to Severus. She felt a heavy ache in her chest when she recalled the pained expression on his face when she said goodbye to him. She could still see the hurt and pleading in his eyes, and could still hear the sound of his voice as he begged her not to go. She never meant to hurt him, as he had been through so much already without her adding more heartache, and yet she did. And no matter what, she would never forgive herself for that. He would never forgive her either, not that she could blame him. She just hoped that he didn't hate her.

Her other regret was not saying goodbye properly to Remus and for spoiling his and Dora's big day. But Hermione knew, as selfish as it was, that it would be hard enough saying goodbye to Severus without also adding her best friend as well. She knew that it was the cowardly thing to do and that he deserved more than what he got from him.

Her thoughts turned to the Headmaster, and her hand automatically flexed as she sought the comforting feel of her wand. But of course she had left it in his safe hands. She felt like a part of her was missing and the further she moved away from it, the fainter the call of her wand grew. Hermione wasn't stupid, she knew her wandless magic was good but wouldn't be as powerful as what it would have been if she wielded her wand. The Volturi didn't know that piece of information however, which is the way she wanted it kept. Aro wanted power and he was getting that in Hermione, he just wasn't getting her at full strength. They didn't need any more power than what they had and if she was to be used for her talents, then she was determined to get some say in the matter. The other reason for her leaving it with Dumbledore was if she ever did need her wand again, then she could always use that as a valid reason to go home. Without that reason she wasn't sure if Aro would ever let her leave Volterra and go back to the Wizarding World now that he had her in his clutches.

The plane journey continued on in silence causing Hermione to wonder if Demetri and Felix were silent because Aro, their leader, was silent, or because they were wary of her.

Chancing a glance at them, she noticed the impassive expressions on both of their handsome faces; yet as they stared openly at her, she saw the curiosity burn deep in their red eyes. So they must be silent because of the former reason then, she thought.

With a deep sigh she turned to them both and quirked an eyebrow at them, a look very similar to one of Severus's trademark expressions.

"I can see the questions burning in your eyes so go ahead and ask whatever it is you want to know." She said. "I will try and be as honest as I can." She smiled slyly. After all she wasn't going to let them know everything, then they could figure out her weaknesses and use that against her.

All three vampires turned their attention to her, while Aro looked between them.

As if waiting for Aro's permission neither Felix nor Demetri said anything until he nodded his head in approval.

"It's alright you may ask your questions." Aro replied in that sing song voice of his. If he was honest with the others, which he wouldn't be of course, he was just as curious about the girl himself. He was beyond thrilled that she was here and that she was joining the Volturi, but he wanted to know more about her. He also wanted to explore the connection her felt with her and see if she really was his mate or not. If it turned out she was then what would happen to his wife? He couldn't just toss her aside, but then if she was then he couldn't ignore that either. These were questions that he would need to figure out in due course.

Sitting next to Hermione, oh how he loved the sound of her name, was like sweet torture to him. He could feel the pull towards her and wanted nothing more than to ravish her right then and there. He wanted to touch and explore every part of her delectable body, but most of all he wanted to mark her as his. Despite the fact that he and Sulpicia were married, he had always known they weren't true mates. He had turned her at the time because he wanted a wife, Caius and Marcus were married with their true mates and he wanted that as well, without having to wait until he found a mate. And so once he had laid eyes on Sulpicia, he fell in love and turned her. He didn't feel that same connection with her, just affection and the need to protect her, partially because he was a possessive man and didn't share what was his. With Hermione it felt different and so much more.

He would need the help of Marcus's power to see if what he felt for Hermione was the real thing or not. The only problem he may have encountered was gone; he had removed Hermione from the clutches of that wizard who posed a threat. But even still, keeping them apart would be easier said than done. He couldn't stop her from going back to him, despite the fact that he would try his damndest.

"How were you able to get a heartbeat if you're a vampire?" Felix asked curiously. He could hear the odd heartbeat coming from her chest. It sounded unlike any heart he had ever heard before, but there it was beating away. Her eyes looked like a normal colour as well, but despite this she was still an immortal vampire like he was. It was strange and fascinating as no-one had ever heard of such a phenomenon occurring before. He had heard the three Volturi leaders discussing it the night after they had marched onto the grounds of the castle. They too were baffled and excited by this new development but remained wary also.

Hermione gazed out of the window and bit her lower lip in thought. Even she wasn't sure about the answer to that particular question. She thought back to what Dumbledore and Mr Ollivander had told her but even they had been vague in their explanation. Finally, after a quiet moment, she turned her gaze to Felix and said,

"Honestly I don't know. All I remember was helping my friend defeat the Dark Lord and saving the man that I love from death." She turned her gaze away and tried not to think about the way that she had lost control and nearly killed him instead. "I left and collapsed on a hill and before I went unconscious I saw visions of everyone I loved flash through my mind, the last one being him. I was in a coma for days and when they put my wand back in my hand, the magic pulsated through me and I woke up. Dumbledore seemed to think it was the ancient magic of love that caused my heart to beat, but I don't know. It's a mystery I guess."

Felix and Demetri looked at each other and smirked at her explanation. Not believing in the power of love. While Aro looked away feeling his jealousy rage at her explanation. If that was true, then the dark wizard posed more of a threat than he first believed. Then there was the way in which she said 'the man I love' instead of loved. She obviously still had strong feelings for the dark wizard, which could prove to be a difficult obstacle for him if he wanted to explore their connection further.

"Do you have a wand then?" Demetri asked. "Since you know, you're a witch." He grinned again, obviously thinking that magical beings were inferior to vampires.

Hermione clenched her teeth together, with her hand flexing again at the loss. If she had her wand she would have hexed, or tried to hex Demetri's ass for his superior attitude. She looked at him and said,

"Yes I do but I didn't bring it with me. I don't need a wand to do magic; I have the ability to cast wandless spells."

Despite Demetri's initial superior attitude, the look on both vampires' faces reminded her so much of the look in Emmett's, the first time they had met. He had been so excited by the prospect of magic and right now Felix and Demetri looked just the same.

"Can you perform magic for us now?" Felix asked sounding just like an excited child at Christmas.

Hermione shook her head no then said,

"Unfortunately I can't at the moment." She whispered.

"But you just said you can perform magic without a wand." Felix's voice sounded accusing and he wore what Hermione would have called a stroppy pout.

She couldn't help but laugh at the disappointed looks on their faces.

"I can but unfortunately if I was to perform magic on this plane right now; it would interfere with the electrics and would probably cause the plane to crash. Either that or the plane would explode. And I don't know about you two but I really don't fancy that happening."

Aro was listening to the conversation intently, although gave no outward signs of his curiosity. How interesting that piece of information was? So her magic could interfere with electricity. He wondered in what way it would interfere, this would need to be something that he looked into further.

"That sounds pretty cool. Not the plane crashing bit." Demetri laughed. "So I'm curious what is it like in your world? I mean how are you all able to hide it from humans?"

Hermione leaned back in her chair and crossed her leg, while contemplating how much she should tell them. It wouldn't do any harm for her to explain the basics; it wasn't like it was a secret with regards to vampires.

"I can't speak for everyone but I will explain my experience. The Wizarding World has a sort of hierarchy with regards to blood purity." At the mention of blood Felix grinned and she caught the blood lust flash briefly in his eyes. She giggled and shook her head in dismay. "I don't mean like that. I mean there are those who are Purebloods, witches and wizards who come from generations of magic. They think that they are superior because magic runs in their family. Then you have the half-bloods. Those are witches and wizards who have one magical parent and one non-magical parent. Half-bloods are accepted in society but they aren't as superior as Purebloods of course. Then you have witches and wizards like me a muggleborn, someone who is born with magic but has no magical relatives. Muggles by the way are non-magical normal human beings."

Again Aro listened to Hermione's explanation with a keen interest. So the girl was naturally powerful and was born with magic, even though magic didn't run in her family. If she had such powers as a normal witch, then he shuddered to think about the extent of her powers as a vampire. Excitement tore through him at the thought that she was now his. She truly was marvellous.

"I got my letter when I was 11 telling me I was a witch and would be going to Hogwarts, which is the name of the magical school by the way." She continued. "I always knew growing up that I was different, I could make things appear or could change the appearance of things just by thinking it. So when the letter arrived for me it explained so much. My parents were unnerved by the news; after all they never believed magic really existed until then, so it was new to me and to them. I was so excited about meeting other people like me, but little did I know at the time about the blood status problem."

Felix leaned forward and asked,

"What blood status problem?"

Hermione sighed then continued on with her tale.

"According to the Wizarding World those who were muggleborns were seen as inferior. They said our blood was dirty and we had no right to perform magic. We were called Mudbloods."

Demetri frowned and looked at her quizzically.

"I don't understand, wouldn't muggleborns be classed as being even more superior since you were born with magic with no prior magical relations?"

Demetri's question took her off guard momentarily. Perhaps she had been too quick to judge him before, as she liked his way of thinking.

"Perhaps the Purebloods had been threatened." Felix chipped in, obviously agreeing with Demetri's observation.

"Maybe, but you have to realise that the Pureblood generation were set in their ways. They didn't believe that magical beings should associate or reproduce with non-magical beings." She looked at them and smiled. "Isn't that the same in the vampire world that vampires and normal human beings can't socialise with each other or have intimate relations?"

Demetri and Felix looked at each other and grinned mischievously before Demetri said,

"Did being a vampire stop you from having relations with that wizard guy?"

If Hermione could have blushed she would have. She and Severus had only slept with each other that one time, but yes they had still had relations despite the fact the she was a vampire witch and he was a wizard and still human. She saw the marks she had left on his pale body and understood why humans and vampires weren't supposed to be intimate.

"I don't think my private life is of any concern to you." She said stiffly, her voice betraying the truth.

The two vampires grinned knowingly at each other, while Aro gripped the armrest of his seat with jealousy. He really needed to learn to control his emotions around Hermione. They both had pasts and it wasn't like she was actually his. Yet. He also had Sulpicia as well.

"Anyway when I attended Hogwarts." She continued on, dismissing the smug looks on the other two vampire's faces. "I became best friends with two boys in my year who got me into some trouble." She said wistfully as she thought about all the things she, Ron and Harry had gotten up to throughout the years. "We fought a troll, a three headed dog, I was petrified by a snake, we almost got attacked by a werewolf, we got in a fight with powerful dark witches and wizards, and I lured a toadlike woman into the Forest and watched as she got carted off by centaurs. Those were the days." She laughed. "It was during the battle with the dark wizards that a vampire turned me. And well I guess you know the rest of my story.

The two vampires laughed and agreed with her.

"Yeah we saw a few snippets of you. Remind us not to get on your bad side, I get the impression you're a bit of a badass." Demetri smiled causing Hermione to laugh.

"I'm hardly a badass. In school I was a little Miss Goody two shoes and a swat, always reading in the library and studying within an inch of my life. In fact Severus used to call me 'an insufferable know-it-all.'" She smiled fondly at the memory and wished for anything in the world to hear him call her that again in his silken baritone voice that she loved. Who knew how long she would be here or if she would ever see him again. That thought was unbearable and caused her heart to clench painfully. Shaking her head to rid herself of the maudlin thoughts she looked at the two male vampires across from her, who were sitting watching her curiously before she said, "It's more a case of me not tolerating folk trying to hurt the people that I love. Or an evil maniac trying to take over the world and kill my friend. Also like the vampire world we have something called the International Statue of Secrecy which means we follow the laws to keep our world secret. We aren't allowed to tell muggles or perform magic in front of them. If we do our wands could be snapped and we could be tossed out of the Wizarding World with our minds obliviated."

All three male vampires heard the edge to her voice and the promise that it held. She would be a person that would be both admired and feared in their world and if she wasn't then more fool the vampires who got in her way. It was perhaps a good thing that she was joining their side and so would be a friend and not a foe.

Aro was impressed once more by what he heard. She was intelligent by the sounds of things if what she said was true about her love of books and study. One of the joys of being a vampire was that there was plenty of time to do both, since they didn't sleep. The Volturi actively encouraged this as for them knowledge was power, and the more knowledge you had the more power you could wield. He also liked that fact that she was so protective of the ones she cared for. He could imagine her settling well into his family, for that is what his coven was, his family. And hopefully in time Hermione would also become a part of this family, and maybe she would become just as protective at the Volturi Coven as she was the people back in her old world. That was his hopes and aspirations for her but he was no fool, he could see that she was also stubborn and may play hard to get for a while.

Hermione gazed at Felix and Demetri once more and smiled, she was rather enjoying their company and chat, although Aro was less talkative than she had imagined. She hoped that perhaps the two male vampires had accepted her for who she was. Maybe this was even the beginning of new friendships.

"So tell me about your world. About being a vampire and living with the Volturi in Volterra. I haven't heard much regarding your coven and have little experience of being a vampire myself." She said honestly.

As soon as the words were out of her mouth both Felix and Demetri stiffened and looked over to Aro. Her gaze followed theirs and she caught him shaking his head momentarily, the raven hair that hung over his shoulder slipping down his back. For the first time since their trip began he locked gazes with Hermione, causing a jolt of heat to run through her body at the intensity of his look. If she could breathe this one look would have stolen the breath from her leaving her breathless. But she used her occlumency shield to hide her reaction from him. It wouldn't do for him to see how he affected her so. He would probably only use that to his advantage.

"That my dear is something we shall discuss when we arrive in Volterra with my brothers. There is much for you to learn and understand about our world before you fully join the Volturi." He smiled at her, that same boyish grin he had used that day at the Ministry causing her stomach to flip, before he turned away from her once again leaving her bereft.

What was going on? She scolded herself, feeling irritated by the way she was acting around him, like she was some kind of lovesick schoolgirl. It wasn't just her body that was being treacherous it was also her mind as well. She felt like she was betraying Severus by feeling this way, yet despite the protests in her mind, she could not stop it.

The group descended into silence once more as Hermione gazed out of the window again. It was dark outside now, the only light she could see came from the land down below. Aro had explained that the Volturi, when they did travel which wasn't very often, travelled during the night so as not to be seen by humans. They tried to avoid as much interaction with humans as possible. She already knew that was one of the laws they had made. She knew that this same rule didn't apply to her friends back at Hogwarts, for they weren't just mere humans but magical as well. Both worlds knew about the other, although they didn't appear to know much.

Hermione laid her head back against the chair and let her thoughts drift over everything. She still couldn't believe she was here with these people. It would take some getting used too. Her thoughts then moved to the raven Dumbledore had bought her. She wondered if Dante would be at Volterra waiting for her, she hoped that he was since he would now be her last link to the world she had left behind. Ravens had more endurance than owls and could travel further. She didn't plan on writing home often, but at least she knew she could if she so wished.

"This is your Captain speaking; we will be landing at the Siena-Ampugnano Airport in approximately ten minutes. Please make sure that your seat belts are fastened for landing. Thank you."

At the Captain's words Hermione's nerves began to kick in again. This was it there was no turning back now. All she had left to do was meet the huge group of vampires who would be waiting for her. She could do this she had faced them all before, although granted last time it had been in preparation for a big fight. She hoped that they didn't hold her previous behaviour against her.

The four vampires remained silent as they waited for the plane to land. It wasn't an awkward silence more of a getting prepared for what was to come kind of silence, which Hermione was grateful for. This gave her time to get her feelings and nerves under control once more. She had a reputation as a badass it appeared, and maybe that wasn't a bad thing for the others to believe for now until she could gauge their response to her.

Once the plane had come to a standstill the doors opened and Demetri and Felix lead the way to the blacked out car awaiting them. Aro stepped before Hermione and held the door open graciously to her. As she ducked in, he used the opportunity to guide her into the car by laying his hand against the small of her back. The feel of her lithe body was intoxicating to Aro, and like a drug he wanted more of her. But for now the brief contact would have to do.

As the car pulled away Hermione sat back and watched as she began the final journey to what would be her new home. It was then she realised that another chapter had ended in her life and a new chapter was just beginning. Despite her previous thoughts about being scared she was also excited by it. She did wonder what the vampire world would be like and now she would get to taste it for herself. After all she was Hermione Granger, the same person who enjoyed learning new things, the same person who enjoyed taking on new challenges and attempting new things. Now that she was here with Aro and the Volturi, she would make the most of her experience and try to learn everything that she could. That's what Hermione Granger had done before, when she first entered the magical world, and that's what she would do again. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all, maybe she just needed time.

Back at Hogwarts the party had long ago stopped for everyone the moment Hermione had gone. A big void had been left in her wake, as tears had flowed and tempers had flared. Everyone who knew Hermione felt hurt by her leaving, and despite what Dumbledore had told them no-one had fully understood why she had to leave.

This was especially true for Severus who stood on the Astronomy tower gazing out into the night sky, tears streaking down his pale face, as he gripped on tightly to the railings, so that his knuckles had turned white.

He had left the party hours ago and came straight here and had not moved from this spot since. He couldn't understand why she had left him, him the man she was supposedly in love with. He could not hide the anger, hurt and betrayal that she caused. Had she always planned on leaving to go with him, after all she and the leader of the Volturi had already met at the Ministry of Magic. Had they stopped and discussed plans of her moving to Italy, the place of romance, to be with him. Had she just been leading him on all of this time? She had known his heart had been broken once yet what she had just done to him was so much worse than anything he had ever felt before.

He hung his head, letting his hair hide his face, as the pain he felt crushed him. He did not hear the saddened older wizard come up behind him. Nor did he show any sign when the wizard put his hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"Despite what you may think Severus, Hermione did not mean to hurt you. I do believe that she genuinely loved you and had no intentions of leaving." He did not want to tell the broken hearted wizard that he had been warned about his feelings for the young woman. Now was not the time for 'I told you so's'.

"Then why did she leave me Albus? Why did she have to go with him?" He spat the last word out, despite the fact that his voice sounded so grave.

Dumbledore sighed and looked over to the Forbidden Forest, the twinkle in his eyes long gone.

"She knew the dangers that her staying here would pose for us. Hermione knew that should she stay the Volturi would keep coming for her putting our lives and the school in danger. You know Hermione; she would never have let that happen. She loves us all too much."

Severus scoffed at the old fool's words and pulled away from him. Wiping his face from tears as discreetly as he possibly could.

"Don't make me laugh Albus. She never gave us a chance. We could have fought to protect her; we don't even know if they would have come back or not." The anger in his voice could be heard with every word that was spoken. Right now he wasn't sure if he should hate her or love her still.

"Severus she saw Aro's thoughts, of course she knew. Hermione only ever wanted to protect us all. You cannot hate her for that. My dear boy you knew the risks you were taking when you started a relationship with her. She is a vampire you are a wizard it would never have worked."

Severus growled and slammed his fist against the wall.

"I loved her and she still walked away."

"And she loved you. Do you think it was any easier for her to leave you Severus? Think about it. She is a vampire but when she said goodbye to you she done the impossible, she cried. She loves you my dear boy, do not think otherwise. But she had to leave to save us."

Severus hung his head again and tried to take in a shuddering breath, as he recalled the look of despair on her beautiful face, and the single tear that ran down her cheek. She loved him, he knew that but it didn't take away the pain that he felt at having lost her.

Dumbledore stepped forward once more and laid his hand gently on Severus's back. The young man was like a son to him, and even though he knew he never always treated him well, he was determined to change that from this point onwards. Reaching into the pocket of his robes he pulled out Hermione's wand and placed it carefully into the young man's hand.

"Before Hermione left she told me to take this, she said it would be a reason to come back. I think you should keep it for her, for when she comes back home to you."

Severus let his hand curl around her wand, he could feel the magic pulsate through it, but somehow it didn't feel right in his hand. It needed its master back as well. Tucking it safely up his sleeve he looked at Dumbledore for the first time and gave a small nod of his head.

"Thank you Albus I appreciate it and I promise to keep it safe. For her." He whispered sadly. Despite his pain and hurt at the way she had left, he could not hate her after everything. He did know the risk he was taking when he decided to be with her, but still it didn't make things any easier.

"Come let's get you back inside. You are freezing cold my dear boy and need to get warmed up."

All Severus could do was nod in agreement as the Headmaster lead him back into the building and towards his room in the dungeon. When he passed Hermione's old quarters, his eyes lingered on the door before he was finally able to tear his gaze away. He wondered what she was doing at the moment and if she was thinking about him. He would need to find a way to move on with his life until she was once again back in his arms where she belonged. All he could do for now was hope that day would come and soon.