The air was thick as Hermione desperately gasped for something as basic as a human breath. She was in a frenzy of panic as she looked at the bag Damon was clutching within his tight grip. This couldn't be possible, could it? Why would Damon be in possession of human blood? This made Hermione's thoughts spiral out of control. Perhaps this was why Damon had been lurking in the hospital those few days ago? The witch was still rather disappointed in herself – she had never notified the authorities of Damon's obscure behaviour. Although, perhaps that shall be a good thing. No one would ever believe her and she would only draw attention to herself – therefore corrupting her mission.
Tears were welled in the corners of Hermione's eyes as she gulped down the thickening vile rising to her throat. She swallowed her tears as she thought about what to do. She really shouldn't be reacting this way... The brunette had already experienced every kind of surprise she could when facing the dark lord. But this? This was different, surely.
Hermione suddenly turned around only to be met with a firm chest. The frizzy haired witch ended up toppling to the ground before being caught by two strong arms.
"Oh my! I am so sorry!" Hermione exclaimed looking up at the teen apologetically in slight surprise. The guy had short light brown hair spiked up in an unusual style. He had forest green orbs which beheld mystery and many secrets within them. They also had a kindness about them as he looked at her with a gentle gaze.
"No, no, it's my fault. I apologise." He said softly causing a small smile to beacon from Hermione's lips.
"Erm not to be rude or anything but what are you doing… here?" She asked with a raised eyebrow gesturing to Caroline's house. She found it rather bizarre the man had appeared from… nowhere. The witch had to admit to herself. Something was off within Mystic Falls; it appeared as though everyone had their own secrets and the witch was determined to find out what. More so now than ever.
The young man sighed, the small smile falling from his lips. "I was going to see Caroline, you?" He asked, his eyebrow was raised.
"Erm same." Hermione nodded realising how creepy it must appear as she was stood staring into Caroline's window. She gave the man a shy smile and a small laugh.
"So how come I haven't seen you around here before?" He asked, his hands being shoved in his grey jacket pockets. "I just moved here – I used to live in Britain." She replied. Her thoughts were still flickering back to the few minutes before. Although her panic was subsided as she donned a casual expression.
"Well its nice to meet you erm…?" He stated before looking at the brunette expectantly for her name.
"Hermione." She replied in her thick British accent. "However, the pleasure is all mine." She told him with a warm and genuine smile.
"Stefan." The man replied. "My name is Stefan. I at least owe you that for almost knocking you over and please, may I treat you to a drink as an apology?" The vampire asked kindly. Although, Hermione was cut off before she could reply.
There was an iciness to the air as a dark glare was sent in their direction. A sharp squawk of a raven echoed in the distance before a ruffling of feathers could be heard as the chilling bird passed them. "I highly doubt that will be necessary Stefan." An unsettling tone replied as a daunting familiar man clad in leather black emerged from the shadows.
"Why ever not Damon? It is only polite. Although you wouldn't understand that concept, would you?" Stefan asked. His expression had turned to stone as he sent an intimidating glare in Damon's direction although this did not phase Damon in the slightest. In fact, it only added to Damon's arrogance.
"Don't challenge me brother… You know what happens when you get in my way." The man with the dark raven hair replied. His smirk held firmly on his lips as he raised his eyebrows challengingly. His gaze flickered to Hermione for a brief second before back to Stefan. The witch caught the expression of understanding and paranoia which crossed Stefan's face and began to become curious herself.
With a certain boldness Hermione stepped forward looking straight into Damon's icy blue eyes. "Why don't you explain to me what you mean Damon." She demanded. Her Gryffindor spirit getting the best of her. Damon turned his attention to her with a cocky grin. "That's for me to know and you to dot, dot, dot my little bird." He stated before turning on his heel and walking away. (Okay so the little bird is a book reference btw)
A few hours had passed and Hermione was now stationed at the grill. She was sat at bar with Stefan as she spoke to him about how she was finding the quaint small town of Mystic Falls. The witch had become to like Stefan. He had a certain kindness about himself and he seemed more on a saint than his brother. Saint Stefan. After finishing her coke, the witch decided it would probably be best to leave and stood. "It's getting late, I should probably go." She announced to Stefan although Stefan seemed to fear that response as a look of terror crossed his face.
"Please, let me walk you home." Her new friend offered but the witch declined and shook her head. "I am perfectly adequate to walk home by myself, Stefan. But thank you." She whispered with a small smile.
However, the younger Salvatore stood from his seat frowning. He looked Hermione straight in the eyes and his pupils dilated. "You will forget what happened earlier inside Caroline's house. You were never there. You met a nice guy in the grill and talked the night away and now you will go home and forget." Stefan compelled her. Hermione blinked three times and frowned. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips fell open as a look of surprise crossed her face. Although the witch merely nodded grabbing her jacket and she ran out of the grill. The only issue was – the compulsion never worked…
Author Note: Well hello! I finally updated. I'm sorry if it's bad. Please let me know your opinions I would love to hear them! Also, please tell me if you would prefer Hermione with Damon or Stefan. Okay thank you for reading! I'll try and update sooner next time.
