Chapter 7: Before Love Ceases to Exist.

A/N: This was overdue. Finals, working, and life got in the way. But here it is, enjoy. (Thank you for waiting for this story and the reviews and everything)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Twilight

A couple weeks had passed since the dance in November. It was now December and Christmas was nearing. The homework had piled up, but Bella still found time to hang out with her friends. She never hung out with Edward outside of school, but he did talk to her a lot in Biology now. He wanted her to sit with him at lunch, but she never accepted his offer. She felt it was more important he sat with his family. He couldn't understand her and he asked her why she insisted on that so much, but she never told him. Her face always turned real somber and she ended up walking away.

It was just another school day to her. Jessica was walking to lunch with her talking about the essay that was due next week Tuesday, the day before break, in their English class. It was a large paper on Romeo and Juliet. Jessica was whining on how hard and long it was, but Bella was just nodding. She didn't think it was that hard of a paper. But then again, she grew up on stories like these.

"Maybe we should write it together, I seemed to remember you having trouble typing the last one." Jessica suggested. But Bella wasn't falling for it. Jessica just wanted her help. Besides she rather liked trying to figure out how to type on the computer.

"I'll lend you my notes, how does that sound Jess?" Bella promised as they walked into the lunch room.

"I suppose," Jessica let out a heavy sigh, but stopped midway. Her eyes were immediately caught by the fact that over at their table, the table they always sit in, the perfect Edward Cullen was sitting in Bella's spot. She gapped openly and stopped walking, causing Bella to stumble forward on her dress after hitting Jessica in the back.

"What—" Bella started but stopped short upon seeing the strange sight of Edward in her spot. "Oh," She said softly and shook her head.

"Go on then!" Jessica prodded her forward leading her straight to Edward with excitement. "He obviously wants something." She said.

"That's what I'm afraid of." Bella muttered to herself.

She followed Jessica to the table, but unlike Jessica her face was set in a frown. She didn't mind talking to Edward, but she was getting increasingly annoyed with him asking for her to sit with him during meals. He had stopped asking last week, but he must be starting up again for some reason. Or he just wanted something in general.

"Bella," He smiled warmly as she stood before him.

She couldn't help but notice the amusement in his eyes. What was possibly running through his head, she wondered. "Edward," She mirrored his smile and studied his eyes carefully. She couldn't figure him out. It was maddening.

"Would you care to have lunch with me, Bella?" He questioned.

It was the one thing she wished he wouldn't of asked. But this time she wasn't going to say no. It was obviously important to him. More important than his family at the current time, so it must have meant something. "I think that would be splendid."

Edward was thrilled, he thought for sure she would say no, but then again she never ceases to amaze him. He waited patiently as she bade goodbye to Jessica and headed over to her usual food line to snag her bagel and cream cheese. He stood nearby the whole time waiting not saying a word. He was slightly afraid that she would change her mind, but he was reassured when she sat down at a lonely table away from her friends. He couldn't help but notice the looks Mike and Eric were giving the minute she sat down far away from them. She noticed it too and gave a sorry sort of a smile and turned to Edward.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" She said after she took a bite of her bagel.

"You make it sound like I want something." Edward's lips twitched into his usual crooked smile.

Bella laughed, "That's because you do. I never said it was a bad thing."

"I was wondering, since Christmas is coming up—" He said in a strange voice. Bella couldn't pick up what emotion it was, but it made her heart seem to skip a beat.

"Next week Friday isn't it?" She somehow managed to say through her heart skipping.

"There about yes," Edward seemed to have gained his confidence back. He was in a lighter tone and didn't seem as tense as he was moments before.

"Which has to do with us, why?" Bella raised her eyebrow as she picked away at her bagel. She was genuinely curious to what he was getting at. And his strange emotions that seemed to be flowing through him, what was he thinking?

"What would you say to meeting my family on Saturday?" He asked watching her carefully.

Bella shifted slightly in her seat. She was not expecting that. Slowly she dropped her food and began to smooth out her dress. "I will have to ask Charlie, but that would be—" She paused thinking of the right word. Ordinarily she would want to use the word lovely, but she felt that didn't apply here. She was feeling fear for some reason. They had never given off that vibe that she was in danger around them and of course she's already met Carlisle, but that didn't mean anything. What if she slipped up and they discovered she was a witch? Would she be in danger then? Were the Vampire's in league with Voldemort like they were in the first war? If they were had Voldemort sent out a search to alert all magical beings? If she slipped up would she be in even more danger? It was possible.

"Are you afraid now?" He asked. He had too, she seemed afraid and that was rare for her. No matter the situation she always knew what to say or how to act. Right now she had no words and seemed to be lost deep in thought.

"Yes," She whispered softly. She couldn't shake the fear of Voldemort. Her mind was no scattered and she felt as if any moment he would swoop in and steal her away. Almost automatically she reached down and latched onto her wand.

"Don't worry," He smirked reassuringly. "I'll protect you."

Bella let out a soft nervous laugh. "The things I'm afraid of, even you couldn't protect me."

Edward frowned, "Don't tell me you aren't afraid of being in a house full of Vampires." He whispered, "Rather you are afraid they won't like you."

Bella stopped smoothing out her dress and cocked her eyebrows. "What? Oh! Goodness no, no I know they will like me." Bella smiled her cockiest smile as if challenging him to think otherwise.

"Then what are you afraid of?" He looked at her quizzically. Then it seemed to dawn on her. This was out of her comfort zone. Everything he knew about her, him asking her over was all wrong. She was probably worrying about Charlie and how she would have to ask him. Her years of abuse were showing through, she was afraid Charlie would hurt her for even thinking of hanging out with a boy. That had to have been it. That also explained why she barely hung out with anyone, she was afraid. If he ever found her step-father he would tear him to shreds. How could he possibly damage this girl so much that she was fearful to even hang out with people?

She shook her head and avoided his question all together. "Do they know? I mean, do they know that I know your secret?"

"Oh, they already know everything. They've been taking bets on your sanity to be honest." He said it with his usual smile, but his voice didn't meet it. He sounded a bit harsh. "Not just your sanity, on whether I'd bring you back or not. But why anyone would bet against Alice, I can't imagine."

"Why wouldn't you want to bet against Alice?" Bella furrowed her eyebrows.

"Another day," Edward smiled now avoiding her question. "I'm assuming you'll ask Charlie then if you can come?"

"I'll need a ride, I'm working on getting my learners permit right now." Bella blushed. She wasn't enjoying learning to drive in the slightest. She much rather floo everywhere, but it meant something to Charlie so she was learning.

"I can pick you up." His smiled turned into a broad grin as he admired the blush dance across her cheeks. She looked so radiant with life, why wouldn't he want to bring her home to finally meet his family?

"Sure, I'll ask Charlie first thing tonight." She responded lightly, but deep down inside her heart was protesting. It was beating as fast as ever. She felt nervous for some reason. As the day went on it didn't calm down. She was nervous to ask Charlie for some unknown reason. Because of that she didn't end up asking Charlie that night. She couldn't bring it up, though Charlie noticed something was wrong. She couldn't even sleep she was so nervous that night. So finally she woke up early in the morning, making breakfast for both her and Charlie and asked if she could go over to the Cullen's on Saturday. Charlie said it was not a problem at all, she just needed to be home on Sunday because he had a surprise for her.

She was grateful he said yes, but yet she was still nervous. Why was meeting a family of Vampire, half of whom she's already seen, making her nervous? She couldn't put her finger on it. But as always the time seemed to fly right by and the next thing she knew it was Saturday and she found herself in the entrance way of the grandest house she has seen since she was in England.

"Carlisle, Esme," Edward said calmly to his parents before them, "this is Bella."

"You're very welcome, Bella." Carlisle took a step forward and carefully raised his hand to Bella. He was afraid to frighten her. Surely it was scary to be in a house full of known Vampires.

Bella was as calm as she could be. She was very aware of her wand pressing against her leg, but regardless she took Carlisle hand and gave a tiny bow in the process. "Thank you, Dr. Cullen. It is very nice to see you again."

"Please call me Carlisle." He said in a light tone. He couldn't help but notice how formal she was. He had met her before, obviously but she was so delicate and her behavior seemed to be straight out of the 1600's.

Emse noticed it as well, regardless she smiled warmly and extended her hand as well. "It's very nice to know you," She said in a soft sincere voice.

Bella took her hand, feeling the stone cold grasp spread through her at once. She was glad she was still wearing her cloak. "Thank you. I'm glad to meet you, too." She smiled, truly meaning it. Emse seemed so dear and so precious. This was like home, being surrounded by all this magic. This felt so right, so peaceful. Her worries were soon easing away.

"Where are Alice and Jasper?" Edward asked, but no one answered seeing as they had just appeared on the stair case.

"Hey, Edward!" Alice said enthusiastically. In a blur and excitement she ran down the stairs in a streak of black hair and pale skin, but gracefully as always she came to a halt right in front of Bella. Everyone seemed to throw her a sort of warning glance as to warn her to be cautious around Bella but she ignore it and at once bounced forward and planted a kiss on Bella's cheek. "Hi Bella! It's wonderful to finally meet you!" She said happily ignoring the shock that shuttered through the room.

Carlisle and Emse both looked fearful almost staggering at Alice, and Edward looked extremely tense. His body seemed to want to reach out and grab Bella's hand, but he wasn't sure how she would react to that, so he just stood there trusting the situation in her hands.

"You do smell nice, I've never noticed it before," She carried on, still ignoring the people around her.

Bella blushed slightly and attempted to fill the awkward air. "Thank you Alice, I'm sure that's the highest compliment I could receive from a Vampire." It seemed to work, Alice let out a laugh as Jasper slipped in right next to her.

Edward raised a curious eyebrow, but said nothing. He was at least glad Bella was not panicking right now. Though, that could be due to Jasper's present if anything.

"Hello, Bella," Jasper said formally, but did not offer his hand or even stand any closer. At the moment he was rather far away, at least an arm's length.

Bella noticed but didn't say anything about it. She knew it couldn't be easy being a vegetarian vampire so to speak. "It's nice to me you, all of you." Bella smiled shyly. She looked down at her dress and fidgeted with it, she didn't know what else to say so she let her years of etiquette training take play. She turned to Esme, "You have a beautiful home." She felt lame, but it was something to say. She only knew what she was taught right now, because this situation was far from normal she ran with what she was comfortable with.

"Thank you," Esme said. "We're so glad you came." And she meant it. She couldn't help feeling how brave Bella was. The fact that she was here risking her life and able to make light conversation, meant a lot to her, even more so with how happy Edward seemed to be around her.

Bella felt the emotion that Esme was giving off at once and looked away embarrassed. That's when her eye caught the beautiful grand piano. She hadn't seen one since she was last at Nott Manor. The sight of it made her forget everyone around her, even the fact that Rosalie and Emmett were nowhere to be seen, and pulled her towards it. She took tiny elegant steps as she un-did her cloak towards the beautiful black instrument she knew and loved. Completely dropping her cloak on the floor, forgetting all manners she reached out and touched the ebony keys.

"Do you play?" Esme appeared next to her holding her cloak with such a curious expression. She seemed to be the only one who noticed Bella's movement. She had been waiting to finally met Bella, the one who seemed to sweep Edward off his feet while leaving him with such distress. Esme wasn't disappointed. She was so adorable and elegant. She couldn't help but keep her eyes on her while everyone seemed to have a private conversation.

"Yes, my favorite instrument to be honest." Bella smiled and took a seat on the bench, "Do you mind?" She questioned to Esme.

Esme laughed, "It's not mine sweetheart. Why don't you ask Edward?"

"If that's the case…" Bella said softly, but never finished her sentence. Instead her fingers found the familiar keys and she began to tap each key with grace, letting her favorite melody fill her ears as she played away. Her mind was taken away to another place, suddenly she felt like she was no longer surrounded by Vampire, or in a foreign land, she felt as if she was home.

It had to have been two years since she last played, but yet she found herself remember each key stroke. She had played this song several times before, it was one she had created right before she left for America the first time. But why did she make it? Her eyes slowly closed themselves as the family of Vampires gathered around listening to her sad melody play out.

"Draco," Crystal said softly as she tapped on his door for a second time. She didn't care how late it was. She had to talk to him. She was leaving in two days. She would never go to Hogwarts and probably not see Draco for 8 years. Her heart was breaking and she couldn't leave her best friend. Not without a proper goodbye. "Please," She begged as she tapped on his door once more before sliding down to the floor as silent tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Crystal, how did you get here?" Draco opened the door at once and pulling her into his arms. "It's three in the morning."

"I know Draco, I know. But I can't leave, I don't want too." She cried softly into his chest.

"You don't have a choice, your father's word is final." Draco said firmly. He believed family was everything and why shouldn't it be when they came from such respectable families?

"But—" Crystal started but Draco held up a finger to her lips.

"Shhh," He whispered sweetly before grabbing her hand and pulling her up. Without another word he led her down the hallway of the Manor to their room, the blue room. He led her straight to the piano, her piano, the one where their fondest memories were.

He gently sat her down on the bench and waited for her to calm down. It took a while since she was crying, but eventually her hands found the familiar spot on the keys and a melody he had never heard began to softly fill the room, mixed with her tears and sobs, it seemed like the perfect goodbye. He could feel her every feeling with each note.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open, she had finished the song and couldn't help but notice how her cheeks were wet. Tears had been flowing down her cheeks as everyone watched her play with such passion. She blushed furiously, "Excuse me," She said politely with a bow, "I need some fresh air." She supplied before heading for the door. She didn't care that her cloak was long discarded. She ran out into the snow that was falling steadily to the ground, adding to the winter wonder land. Her feet guided her until she found herself slumped against a cold tree. These memories came so suddenly and left her feeling so empty, that's why all she could do right now is cry. She missed home so much, for so many reasons. And right now that she remembered just a part of Draco, she wanted to treasure it. It was the first memory she recalled since the dance. If they could just come back quicker, maybe she wouldn't feel so empty. No that wasn't right, she was happy here. Edward was amazing and such a good friend even if he was a Vampire.

She held herself tightly as she cried softly, letting her thoughts consume her. It was to the point that she didn't notice Edward until he softly brushed away some tears that were causing her hair to stick to her cheeks.

"That was beautiful," he said letting his crooked smile trace across his lips, but in his eyes felt sadness. If he could only read her mind then he would know what was ailing her. But that was impossible. Her mind was blocked off he could never read it. The best he could do right now was attempt to comfort her. He would have to figure out on his own how to make her feel better.

"It was something I composed, years ago." She looked Edward straight in the eyes. She didn't want her memory of Draco to slip away, but as she stared into his Topaz eyes she was beginning to feel the sadness drain away. She couldn't help but smile.

"They like you, you know." Edward wiped away another tear. "Esme especially, they all thought your song was beautiful."

"I don't know what to say." Bella let her hand rest on Edwards, causing him to jerk away suddenly. "Sorry," She muttered.

"No, it's my fault. I wasn't…you have been really brave today." He was feeling confused. Her scent was stronger out here as the wind blew by, he was having a harder time controlling his urges, but he would manage.

"I'd feel better if I would be able to meet Rosalie and Emmettt." Bella admitted, realizing they didn't meet her at all. Even if everyone else liked her they didn't seem too.

His smile fell off his face. "Rosalie will come around, try not to worry about her." He said, as he held out a hand for her to take. She graciously took it and let him led her back to the house through the snowy path.

She hadn't realized how far she had ran but it was apparently very far. "What about Emmett?" She asked not bothering to let go of Edward's hand. She wanted the support right now. What she did was unacceptable. She ran away without an explanation and didn't stay strong. Young woman should not cry in public, not the way she did at least. She was feeling very guilty and like a commoner. That was the worst in her mind. She just wanted this conversation to carry, to take her mind off of things.

"Well, he thinks I'm a lunatic, it's true, but he doesn't have a problem with you. He's trying to reason with Rosalie." He said, noticing that with each step she took the pain and sadness seemed to leave her eyes. It was good to see the happiness come back, her tears were like watching an angel cry. It broke his heart and enraged him. He wanted to know what she was thinking as she played, but if he asked he might cause her more pain. That was the least he wanted.

"Is there anything I can do so she is not upset? I mean, I haven't done anything wrong have I?" Bella questioned with wide eyes. She finally let go of Edward's hand to clasp her hands over her mouth. "I've been extremely rude to her, haven't I?" She said fearfully.

Edward merely laughed, "No, that's not it at all." He sighed deeply knowing it was something much more serious. "Rosalie struggles the most with…with what we are. It's hard for her to have someone on the outside know the truth. To be honest she's a little jealous." He said while opening the door to the house for her, ending the conversation.

Alice was at the door holding out a blanket. "You're going to catch a cold if you don't take this." She insisted as she draped it around Bella, who was raising an eyebrow. "What? You will." She said as if Bella was crazy. Then enthusiastically she grabbed onto Bella and steered her into the living room. "I started a fire! I figured you and Edward could sit here and warm up."

"You are more than welcome to join us, Alice." Bella smiled warmly as she sat down right at the end of the fireplace. She felt the warmth almost at once, leaving her feeling grateful to Alice.

Alice looked over at Edward and then shook her head. "No, you two can sit and talk. I'm sure there's a ton to talk about."

"I insist," Bella patted the spot next to her firmly.

Alice let out a squeal. "In a bit," She said though she looked like she really wanted to take her up on her offer. "Promise," She then vanished.

"See, I told you they like you." Edward took the seat Bella had patted and grabbed her hand once more, letting their fingers naturally entwine.

"Alice does, yes I can see that." Bella said softly as she gave Edward's hand a friendly squeeze.

"Esme and Carlisle are happy to see me happy. Actually Esme wouldn't care if you had a third eye and webbed feet."

Bella laughed and yet somehow felt reassured. "Good then I can tell her my real secret." She said in a teasing manner, but actually meant it.

Edward joined in the laughter, "I mean it! All this time she's been worried about me, afraid that there was something missing from my essential makeup, that I was too young when Carlisle changed me…She's ecstatic. Every time I touch you, she just about chokes with satisfaction." He smirked, but Bella frowned.

"What does that mean then?" she questioned as she let go of his hand. Her face was furrowed in confusion, was he meaning…no he couldn't.

"Hmmm?" He titled his head with his smirk.

"I mean…are you—" Bella couldn't find the words. She didn't want to say what she was thinking out loud. It felt so straight forward. Nothing like how a fine pureblooded female should sound. But why should she care? Who was around to scold her? Who was around to punish her? She didn't know how long she would be in protection, so why not make the best of it? "You make it sound like you have feelings for me."

"Of course I do, I care a lot for you Isabella Swan." Edward reached out and softly kissed her cheek.

Bella didn't retreat instead she welcomed his cool lips on her cheek. She couldn't help but smile. "Is this your way of asking me out?" She watched him closely as she said it. His eyes were closed, she must have pushed himself to hard. He seemed like he was trying to control his urges once again. She must smell too good. Then all at once he seemed alert and better. It was as if nothing ever happened.

"If that's what you want." Edward smirked, but there was something more to it. Bella could sense something else was up. Something was eating at his mind. She narrowed her eyes wishing she could read his mind, but she knew she couldn't. She didn't have that kind of power, she was a great witch but mind reading was out of her range.

"What's wrong?" She frowned.

"Nothing's wrong, exactly." He looked at her thoughtfully wondering what she was getting at. Could she sense his worry?

"Exactly? So something is wrong and has nothing to do with our current conversation then?" She reached out and grabbed his hand in a friendly manner.

"Alice had a vision." He supplied, only adding to her confusion before it dawned on her.

"Alice's power, she can see the future. That's why you said 'But why anyone would bet against Alice, I can't imagine' the other day." She pieced together. She may have been a Gryffindor but she wasn't stupid. She still had some Ravenclaw in there somewhere.

"You remember that?" Edward looked at her strangely. He couldn't believe that she remembered his exact words. Humans do not remember things that well. Their minds are so fickle.

"Of course, I remember almost everything you say." Bella shrugged as if it was nothing. "Now what did Alice see?" She said quickly before he went off on a tanged.

"Visitors are coming soon it seems like. They know we are here and they are curious." He said softly as if it would shock her. And he was right it did. The color seemed to drop from her face almost at once. Her soft skin became as pale as the marble fire place, as she ripped her hand out of his and rested it tightly on her leg as he had seen her do every time she is afraid.

"Vampires, real ones," She said with a shiver. She was actually afraid. Her mind was wondering and before she could help herself a name whispered across her lips, "The Dark Lord."

"Excuse me?" Edward said not sure if he heard her last words right. They didn't seem to make sense. He shook his head after a while of her not responding, realizing she was giving off a normal response. She was finally afraid of Vampires. "I'm not going to let you out of my sight until they are gone." He reassured her.

"Thank you," She whispered gratefully.