Chapter 6: Interruption

Isabella Swan

I couldn't believe the words Edward had spoken. I felt like I was lost in some sort of magical dream because this couldn't really be happening. I knew it was practically impossible for Edward to love me that way. I would always be the best friend. I would never be more than that to him. But it wasn't a dream. Edward was really telling me that he had feelings for me. He wanted to be with me.

I had so much I wanted to say at that moment. So many feelings I wanted to express. But I couldn't get myself to speak. I was almost too stunned to properly think.

"Bella, please say something," Edward pleaded as his eyes met mine before shifting to look down at the ground. He looked lost and distressed. It was almost as if he were in pain.

The sad look in his eyes knocked me out of my daze. Edward loved me, and I was sitting around doing absolutely nothing. Was I crazy? I had no idea what to say or how to say it. But I did know I had to do something. I had to show Edward that I felt the same way. I loved him just as much as he loved me.

I gently reached out to him, lifting his chin before softly caressing his cheek. I bit my lip nervously before realizing it all felt right. I leaned forward, ever so gently pressing my lips to his. His lips were soft yet strong. Our first kiss was very simple and lasted no more than a few seconds. But it was all I had ever dreamed of and more.

Our eyes met the minute we pulled apart. Edward's eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight, and I felt his love for me radiate off his body. It all seemed surreal, but it was true. Edward Masen loved me.

We both seemed incapable of words as we again closed the distance between us, his lips returning to mine in a more powerful kiss. His lips molded perfectly into mine, making me feel as if I were floating above ground. I wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing myself as close to him as I could. My entire body shivered in delight as his hands trailed up my bare arms to cup my cheeks.

The kiss seemed to last forever, but it was still not enough. All of the dreams and expectations of how this kiss should be paled in comparison to the real thing. I had never felt more complete than I did at that moment. I felt as if my soul had finally found its mate. I had found the love of my life. I had found my way home.

"I love you, Bella," Edward repeated in nothing more than a whisper once we had pulled apart. His words made my heart jump in my chest.

"I love you too, Edward," I declared with a huge smile as I played with the ends of his messy bronze hair. "I have loved you for as long as I can remember."

"Then why didn't you say anything?" I shrugged in response to his question, looking away shyly. I had no real response for him. I was a coward. "Bella, love, you don't need to hide anything from me."

"I was scared, Edward. I was scared that you wouldn't feel the same way and that everything was going to fall apart. I was afraid to lose our friendship and everything we had."

"I was scared too," Edward laughed, wrapping his arm around my waist and bringing me closer to him. "I've been dying to tell you for so long, but I couldn't find the courage to."

"Why tell me now?" I leaned my head against his shoulder, lacing my hand in his.

"I couldn't keep denying my feelings. I love you, Bella. And I wanted you to know," Edward responded before leaning down and kissing the top of my head. I smiled at the sweetness of his gesture. Edward was just too incredible for words.

"I'm glad you told me." I felt extremely happy to have our feelings out in the open. I no longer felt like I was keeping something from him. We both knew exactly how each other felt.

"I know this probably sounds stupid." Edward took a deep breath after he spoke, causing me to sit up to look at him. What could possibly be stupid? "But would you be my girlfriend?"

"Do you even have to ask?" I smiled brightly before giving him a short, sweet kiss. I really couldn't stop myself from kissing him. It was as if I now had free rein, and I was going to make up for all the time we had wasted.

"Is that a yes?" Edward laughed as he gently caressed my cheek.

"That's positively, absolutely a yes. I want you, Edward Cullen, to be my boyfriend," I answered before he pressed his lips to mine for another kiss. But this kiss was not like the others. It was filled with more want and need, and it was literally making my entire body tingle. It was breathtaking, and the best kiss I had ever experienced.

"If it isn't the prince and his mudblood. You sure do move fast, mudblood," James suddenly said as he appeared in the round courtyard. I cringed at the sound of his voice before trying to compose myself. I was not going to let him see how much his presence bothered me.

"What do you want, James?" Edward asked, pulling me back and behind him just as Victoria joined James.

"Isn't it sweet how he tries to protect her?" Victoria asked with a malicious smile as she snaked her arms around James, pressing herself into his side. It was no secret that Victoria had been trying to get James for years. She had been continually turned down by him, but it seemed as if she had finally worn him down.

"How does it feel to have my sloppy seconds, Masen? Is she a good cock sucker?" Edward immediately tensed up at his words, drawing his wand and causing James to draw his. James wiggled himself out of Victoria's grasp, aiming his wand at Edward.

"Edward," I said, grabbing his arm. I wasn't going to let him fight James over this. I knew he was only doing it to get a rise out of Edward. "Ignore it."

"Don't talk about Bella that way, Malus. She would never lower her standards to the likes of you." Edward was nearly buzzing with anger, and I knew it wouldn't be long before things got out of hand.

I knew what James was saying wasn't true, but it didn't stop it from hurting. I couldn't believe that I had trusted him enough to date him. I had no idea what I had seen in him. And I definitely didn't know why I hadn't paid attention to Edward or to Jasper.

Edward Masen

All I wanted to do was tear James into pieces. He was speaking about Bella as if she was nothing more than a common whore. Bella was not an object, and she definitely deserved to be respected as a lady. And I was going to do everything I could to defend her honor.

"You're right, Masen. Her standards must be much lower to be with you. Just know that she isn't all that in the sack. I hope you don't mind training her." I was conscious of Bella's attempt to stop me, but I didn't think I was capable of stopping. I was going to make sure that he never said another word about Bella.

"Expelliarmus!" somebody yelled, causing both our wands to fly across the courtyard.

"You both know that you aren't allowed to use magic yet," Professor Cullen scolded as he entered the courtyard with both our wands in his hands.

"What do you want, blood sucker?" James growled as he glared at our Professor. "We're not at Hogwarts right now. You have no authority over me."

"You're right, Mr. Malus. We aren't at Hogwarts now, but you're still underage." Professor Cullen calmly said as he ignored the name calling, keeping his composure. "Therefore, you aren't allowed to practice magic, let alone duel. I believe there is a party inside that all of you must return to."

"I will get you, Masen, and your little whore too!" James threatened before yanking his wand from Professor Cullen's hand and disappearing with Victoria.

"I hate him," I seethed as Bella gently stroked my arm, willing me to calm down.

"Don't let him get to you, Edward. What he said is just words." I knew Bella was trying to put on a brave face, but words could be very painful.

"He shouldn't speak to you like that. It's wrong, disrespectful, and completely untrue." I kissed the top of Bella's head before leading the way to our Professor to retrieve my wand.

"Bella has a point, Edward. Sometimes it is better to ignore than to react." I had always had a short fuse when it came to James. And I was very protective of Bella. I didn't want her to get hurt. I felt as if it were my job to protect her.

"It's easier said than done." I took a deep breath, squeezing Bella's hand reassuringly. I wanted her to know that I would be there for her. I didn't believe the lies James had said.

"Just remember that you're the better man," Carlisle finished before walking away, leaving us alone in the courtyard.

I fidgeted nervously as I looked over at Bella. I hated that our moment had been ruined and had no idea how to bring up the conversation again. Bella had agreed to be my girlfriend, but I felt as if everything was awkward again. I wanted to kiss and hold her, but I didn't know if I could.

"I'm sorry that he ruined everything," I said sheepishly, breaking the uncomfortable silence. I really didn't know what else to say.

"He didn't ruin anything, Edward." Bella turned to face me, giving me a breathtaking smile. "Not one person could ruin this night for me."

"Why is that?" James's presence wasn't exactly conducive to the romance or to the overall atmosphere I had been trying to create.

"Well, I got a wonderful man who loves me," she answered, reaching up to run her fingers through my hair. "And that in itself is pretty amazing."

"You've always had me, Bella," I assured her before leaning down to capture her lips with mine. All awkwardness was completely forgotten.

I felt a lot freer and lighter as we walked back into the ballroom hand in hand. I no longer had to hide my feelings for her. Bella knew how much I loved her, and we were finally together. Everything suddenly made sense.

"Dance with me?" I requested as we made our way towards the dance floor.

Bella responded with a smile before wrapping her arms around my neck. As we slowly began to sway, it was as if everything around us faded away. There were countless couples surrounding us and even more people along the tables, but that didn't matter. The only person I could see was Bella. She was the only one that mattered.

Isabella Swan

"Goodnight, Bella," Edward said softly once we had reached my bedroom door. We had spent the rest of the night dancing. And I had been amazed at how great a dancer Edward was. He never made me feel as if I were going to fall or even lose my balance. He had complete control.

The night had been perfect, and I really hated to see it end. But I was nothing less than thrilled with how the entire night had played out. I was Edward's girlfriend.

"Goodnight," I whispered, tip-toeing up to press my lips against his. My entire body tingled as he wrapped his arms around my waist, bringing me into him. The kiss lasted only a few seconds before he pulled away, removing a lock of hair from my face.

"I'll see you in the morning." Edward smiled at me once more before walking across the hall to his room.

I stood at the door with my hand on the doorknob as I watched him open his bedroom door. A part of me wanted desperately to follow him inside, but the other part knew I shouldn't. I had to head into my room and sleep.

"Goodnight," we both repeated simultaneously, causing us to laugh. I instantly blushed before quickly heading inside, making sure to shut the door.

I changed into my light green pajamas before realizing I should take advantage of the Masen Library while I still had the chance. School would be starting in a few days, and I wanted to figure out why Professor Sangue needed the squid ink to brew a potion.

I quietly made my way down the stairs to the library. One of the many things I loved about Masen Manor was the extensive book collection they had. I sometimes wondered if the Masen library was bigger than the Hogwart's library.

I instantly smiled the minute I stepped into the library. Every single inch of wall space was covered in books. And I knew I could get lost just discovering them all. I made my way to the far left wall where all the Potion books were kept. I had spent countless hours in the library and knew just how everything was arranged.

It didn't take me long to find a few books on potion ingredients. I was very interested in finding out the properties of squid ink. Why hadn't I heard of it before?

The first four books proved to be useless. There was no mention of squids or of squid ink. Why would Professor Sangue want to use squid ink when it wasn't even mentioned in books? My curiosity seemed to only increase.

I opened up the fifth book, sighing deeply as I looked through index. I didn't expect to find anything, and this was the last book on potion ingredients. I couldn't believe it when I spotted "Squid Ink" with only one page number. It really was used in potions.

I flipped through the book, finding the one reference to squid ink.

Squid Ink is a highly controlled and magical substance. It is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Magic because of its use in a dozen dark potions.

I read the same sentence at least five times before closing the book. The book wasn't as helpful as I had hoped, but it had confirmed my suspicions. Whatever potion Professor Sangue was going to brew was not legal. But why was Mr. Malus so interested in getting it?

I quickly put away all the books before racing up the stairs to Edward's bedroom. I knew I needed to tell Edward what I had found. I went into his room forgetting to knock before stopping abruptly in my tracks. Edward was lying in bed reading in nothing but his dark blue pajama pants. He was even wearing his sexy glasses.

Edward had started wearing contacts a few years back when I had told him about them. But I still found it incredibly sexy when he wore his glasses.

"Bella, is something wrong?" Edward inquired, closing his book and sitting up.

I bit my lip nervously as my eyes took him in. I felt as if I couldn't stop staring at every inch of his gorgeous body. I had never been more thankful for Quidditch. It had really sculpted him to perfection.

"Bella," Edward repeated, bringing me down to Earth.

"Sorry," I blushed, biting my lip nervously as Edward motioned for me to join him.

"What happened?" I took a seat on the edge of his bed, forcing myself to keep looking at his eyes. I had to find a way to forget that he was shirtless.

"I did some research," I began, causing him to laugh. I scowled at him and hit his arm. "Don't laugh, Edward. This is important."

"I know, I know; I'm sorry. It's just that you're always doing research. What did you find?" I took a deep breath before continuing.

"Anyway, I looked up squid ink, and I couldn't find it anywhere. I searched four books, and it wasn't even mentioned. But in the fifth book I looked in, I found two sentences. It is a Ministry controlled substance and illegal to possess. It is used in brewing dark potions."

"It doesn't surprise me that Mr. Malus would want it then. Did it say what kind of potions?" Edward seemed pensive as he processed what I had said.

"No, that's all it said." I knew there had to be more information somewhere, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy to find. "I'll have to do research in the Restricted Section once we get to Hogwarts."

"And how, may I ask, do you plan on getting into the Restricted Section?" Edward asked, leaning back against the headboard.

"You know I have my ways." I had been sneaking into the Restricted Section of the Library for years. It wasn't exactly easy, but I had yet to get caught.

"You're quite something, Bella." I smiled at Edward before realizing how late it was.

"I should head to bed," I said, nervously biting my lip.

"I guess you should." Edward seemed disappointed as I stood up. "Can I get a goodnight kiss?" he suddenly asked, giving me a mischievous grin.

"I think that can be arranged." My heartbeats immediately increased as I leaned into him. I was suddenly acutely aware of what I was wearing. My pajamas were nothing more than a thin light green tank and a pair of green and white shorts.

"Goodnight," I whispered before brushing my lips against his. Edward's hands cupped my cheeks softly, holding the kiss a while longer. The gesture was extremely sweet, causing me to not want to leave. Would it be alright if I stayed in his bed?

"Goodnight," he stated as we broke apart.

I fought the urge to just climb into bed with him as I walked to the door. We had been together for only a few hours. How could I possibly just want to jump into bed with him?

As I snuggled into my own bed, I knew why I craved so much with him. I loved Edward, and I knew there was no other man for me out there. It all made perfect sense.

A/N: A lot of you thought I wasn't going to let Bella express her feelings. How many of you were surprised? How many of you are curious as to what the potions is?

Remember there is a Twilighted forum for this story. If you have any questions or want to discuss the story head on over there. The link can be found in my Author Page.

Next Chapter: Morning Fun

Muggleinlove